JP2019166350A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing a processing load and performing recovery processing of a game value appropriately.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 2 includes: a game ball number counter capable of storing information relating to a game value; a count button capable of receiving a player's predetermined operation; and a frame control board that can transmit count information capable of identifying magnitude of a game value to CU 3 on the basis of reception of a predetermined operation and updates the game value stored in a game ball number counter in accordance with magnitude of a game value identified by predetermined information when transmitting the predetermined information. The predetermined information includes: information on the number of measured balls capable of identifying magnitude of a game value corresponding to predetermined operation of the count button; and information on the number of counted, accumulated balls capable of cumulatively setting magnitude of a game value of information on the number of counted balls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In an enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed, information is bidirectionally communicated with a gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, in the gaming machine, when a counting operation is performed, when a state information response is transmitted to the gaming device as a response to the state information request from the gaming device, A process of converting a game ball (game point) into a ball (point) is performed. When the recovery operation of the counting operation is performed due to a communication abnormality or the like, the recovery processing is performed using the counting history stored on the gaming machine side every time the counting operation is performed.

JP-A-2015-134101

  Since the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 is premised on bidirectionally communicating information with a gaming device, when performing recovery processing of counting operation, the gaming machine side stores the counting history stored on the gaming machine side. It is possible to request transmission. However, each time a counting operation is performed, a process for updating the counting history stored on the gaming machine side is required, which increases the processing load on the gaming machine side. In addition, a gaming machine that is premised on communicating information to a gaming device in one direction cannot perform the same processing, and cannot perform a game value recovery process appropriately. .

  The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce a processing burden and appropriately perform a game value recovery process.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, P 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3) and capable of managing information related to a gaming value (for example, the number of game balls),
Storage means (for example, a game ball counter) capable of storing information related to game value;
Accepting means (for example, counting button 28) capable of accepting a predetermined operation by the player;
Transmitting means (for example, the frame control board 17) that transmits predetermined information (for example, count information) that can specify the magnitude of the gaming value to the gaming device based on the reception of the predetermined operation. When,
Update means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, subtracting the counted number of balls) in correspondence with the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information when transmitting the predetermined information And a frame control board 17) for updating to information on the number of game balls,
The predetermined information includes the first information (for example, information on the number of counting balls) that can specify the magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation and the magnitude of the game value of the first information. 2nd information (for example, information on the counted cumulative number of balls).

  According to such a configuration, the processing load for storing the history regarding the predetermined operation is reduced, and the second information capable of cumulatively specifying the magnitude of the gaming value of the first information is transmitted to the gaming device. The game value recovery process can be performed appropriately.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
Whether the transmission means satisfies a predetermined condition relating to an abnormality in communication with the gaming device (for example, when the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL changes from 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL = OFF)) Regardless of whether or not, the predetermined information is transmitted to the gaming device at a predetermined interval (for example, the count information is transmitted to the CU3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status of the CU3).
Depending on whether or not the predetermined operation is accepted by the accepting means, information regarding the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information is different (for example, an operation of the counting button 28 by the player transmits game machine information). If it has been performed before, the count ball number includes, for example, 250 ball information, and if the player does not operate the count button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the count ball number is 0 ( Zero) Sphere information is included.)

  According to such a configuration, the transmission process of the predetermined information is continued regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition regarding the communication abnormality with the gaming device is satisfied, and the prohibition process of the transmission process of the predetermined information becomes unnecessary. In addition, the gaming value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality in that the predetermined operation becomes invalid.

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
Receiving means (for example, frame control board 17) that can receive specific information (for example, lending information) that is information transmitted from the gaming device and that is related to gaming value,
Response information corresponding to the predetermined information is not transmitted from the gaming device to the receiving means (for example, the count information and the gaming machine information are one-way from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. The gaming machine does not recognize whether the gaming device has received the predetermined information.

  According to such a configuration, the predetermined information is output in one direction, and it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the gaming value even in a situation where the predetermined information cannot be received by the gaming device, thereby reducing the disadvantage of the player. Can be prevented.

(4) In the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
Special signal output means for outputting a special signal (for example, PSI signal) for connection confirmation to the gaming device while detecting connection with the gaming device (for example, VL = ON) (for example, wiring number of PIF wiring) 4)
The special signal output means stops the output of the special signal to the gaming device based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, PSI = OFF).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the gaming machine side of the disconnection detection status on the gaming machine side.

(5) In the gaming machines (1) to (4) above,
Launching means for launching game media (e.g., launching mechanism 30);
Firing control means (for example, launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launching means,
The accepting means invalidates the acceptance of the accepting means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, invalidates the operation of the counting button 28),
The launch control means stops firing by the launch means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, outputs a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31).

  According to such a configuration, the game value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality by stopping the game in a situation where the gaming device is not connected.

(6) In the gaming machines (1) to (5) above,
The transmission means transmits the predetermined information to the gaming device at a timing corresponding to a predetermined period (for example, a specified period B) after transmitting game information (for example, gaming machine information) indicating the progress of the game. .

  According to such a configuration, the information transmission can be optimized, and the transmission timing of the game information and the predetermined information is separated, so that congestion of information to be transmitted can be avoided.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the glass door and gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the mode before a game board is attached to a game machine frame, and after being attached. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of the PIF wiring which connects a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the main thing in the various data memorize | stored with each of a card unit and a pachinko game machine, and its transmission / reception aspect. It is a figure which shows the timing of the modification 1 of the information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a timing chart of the modification 1 of the information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the modification of the timing of the loan information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine, and loan response information. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information at the time of non-connection generation | occurrence | production between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the modification 2 of the information transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the timing of the information at the time of non-connection generation | occurrence | production between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows another example 1 of the timing of the information at the time of non-connection generation | occurrence | production between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows another example 2 of the timing of the information at the time of non-connection generation | occurrence | production between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows another example 3 of the timing of the information at the time of non-connection generation | occurrence | production between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the count notification sequence between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the count notification sequence between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the restoration sequence at the time of PIF disconnection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the restoration sequence at the time of PIF disconnection between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the connection structure of a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormal sequence during the count between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormal sequence during the count between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the communication abnormal sequence at the time of rental between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of a discharge mechanism. It is the schematic for demonstrating the state with which the ball of the launching mechanism was filled with game balls. It is a block diagram for demonstrating launch of a game medium, and subtraction of the number of game balls. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the process in a discharge mechanism. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the process in a launching mechanism, and operation | movement of a hit ball operation handle. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement of a subtraction mechanism and a game ball number display. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement when a ball clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism exit sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which detects subtraction mechanism entrance sensor abnormality. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification process when abnormality is detected. It is a figure for demonstrating the kind of error and fraud detection which can be alert | reported. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the error and fraud detection which generate | occur | produce in a gaming machine frame and a game board. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a backup power supply board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence for demonstrating communication timing. It is a figure which shows the list of the commands transmitted / received between a main control board and a frame control board. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of a gaming machine installation information notification, and the response of a gaming machine installation information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of game machine information notification. It is a figure for demonstrating the classification information contained in game information. It is a figure for demonstrating the command of a gaming machine information response. It is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the number of winnings before and after a game state changes. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the performance display calculation process performed in a frame control board. It is a flow chart for explaining passage number addition processing in a frame control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game board surface determination relevant process. It is a figure for demonstrating the condition of calculation of a base value, and a display. It is a list of performance items that have been aggregated. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a frame control board. It is the schematic for demonstrating a test | inspection signal.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of pachinko machines>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in the game hall (hall) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine, a pachinko machine, or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. A card unit (which may be abbreviated as CU hereinafter) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the P table 2 at a side position on the predetermined side of the P table 2. Yes. Note that the card unit is taken as an example of the gaming device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, but it is connected to the P stand 2 to collect game information such as jackpots and abnormality notifications, and the number of winnings. It may be a calling lamp device or the like.

  The P platform 2 encloses a game ball (pachinko ball) as an example of a game medium (hereinafter also referred to as an encapsulated ball), and is provided on the upper left side by the player operating the hitting operation handle 25. The launching solenoid 30 of the launching mechanism 30 that is a launching device is driven to drive the encapsulated balls one by one into the game area 27 on the front of the game board 26 so that a game can be played. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand. The firing solenoid is driven by detecting the contact with the touch sensor. In this state, the striking ball launching momentum is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the encapsulated ball is launched into the game area 27.

  When the firing solenoid is driven and the encapsulated ball is driven into the game area 27 one by one, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts one ball from the number of game balls that can be played on the P table 2 one by one. The launch strength of the game ball (hereinafter also simply referred to as launch strength T) can be adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 (hereinafter also simply referred to as handle operating amount), and the handle operating amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing strength T so that the game ball passes through the region targeted by the player by adjusting the handle operation amount.

  The P stand 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine, and a variable display device (also referred to as a special symbol) 278 is provided in the center of the game area 27. In addition, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning holes through which encapsulated balls can be won. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) 271, three normal winning holes 272, 273, 274 and three start winning holes 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the start winning opening 276 is configured by an electric tulip that can be changed between a first state (for example, an open state) that is advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, a closed state) that is disadvantageous to the player. .

  The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols), and based on the detection signals of the start winning balls won in the start winning ports 275, 276, 277, respectively. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a glance), a big hit state (also called a big hit game state) is entered, and the big prize opening 271 is opened.

  Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 becomes a predetermined combination of special identification information (for example, a combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of jackpot symbols (grooves). And a probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved after the end of the jackpot state.

  The encapsulated ball that has been driven into the game area 27 wins any of the winning openings or is collected at the out opening 154 without winning. The encapsulated ball that has won at any one of the winning ports and the encapsulated ball that has been collected at the out port 154 are again returned to the hitting ball launch position through the collection path in the P stand 2. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the enclosed ball at the hitting position of the hitting ball is again shot into the game area 27.

  In addition, a game ball number display for displaying the number of game balls is provided above the hitting operation handle 25 of the P platform 2. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display and is controlled by a frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4). The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls and the error number of the error that has occurred. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to a 7-segment LED display, and may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

  Further, a counting button 28 is provided at the left position of the game ball number display 29 on the P platform 2 for counting from game balls to possessed balls. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time for which the counting button 28 is kept pressed (for example, a counting process of 250 balls is executed every time the pressed state continues for 0.3 seconds). It should be noted that, regardless of the pressing duration time, when the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 250 balls) may be counted from the game ball to the holding ball, or when the count button 28 is pressed once. All of the game balls currently owned by the player may be counted regardless of the pressing time (regardless of whether the button is pressed for a long time). Further, the counting speed is further improved when a card return operation is performed, and a smooth card return process is realized.

  Thus, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P table 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P table 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU 3 side. . In addition, the P platform 2 is provided with speakers 270 for outputting music data to be reproduced in accordance with the effects displayed on the variable display device 278 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27. In addition, the position and the number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and the number may be changed as necessary.

  The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other game machine frames (front frames) 5. In particular, the gaming board 26 is different for each model of pachinko gaming machine developed by each company, while the gaming machine frame 5 is a common common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing a new stand.

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a game storage medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, and a member player who has registered as a member in the game hall. A membership card, which is a game storage medium issued to, is accepted. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

  The CU 3 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, prepaid balance, number of possessed balls, number of balls, etc.) owned by the player specified by the stored information of the card into “game ball data”. . In the P stand 2, a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of the game balls is made possible. That is, “game ball data” is data indicating the number of remaining fired balls. In the following description, “game sphere data” is simply referred to as “game sphere” in the same manner as a stored ball or a possessed sphere.

  On the front side of the CU 3, there are provided a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting member cards and visitor cards, and the like. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information stored in the card is read.

  The front side of the CU 3 is specified by the display unit 312 and the member card ID (also simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) stored in the member card and the member card ID when the member card is received. A replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the number of stored balls is provided.

  The display 312 displays the prepaid balance stored in the inserted game storage medium (card). The display 312 can display the number of game balls and other various information, and the surface is a transparent touch panel. It is configured such that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

  When the replay button 319 is operated, if the number of possessed balls acquired by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the possessed number of balls is withdrawn and converted into a game ball. Based on this, it becomes possible to play a game by the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of possessed balls is not stored and the stored balls are stored in the hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and turned into a game ball. It is converted and the game by P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the storage ball and the holding ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is withdrawn preferentially. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the possessed ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a dedicated button for saving money.

  Here, the “storing ball” is a ball deposited in the hall with a ball acquired before the previous day, and becomes a game ball by paying out the saving ball. The storage ball is a game medium deposited in a game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

  The “held ball” is a ball acquired on the day and becomes a game ball by paying out the held ball. In addition, the number of possessed balls is the number of game balls owned by the player as a result of the player playing the game with the P stand 2 in the card, and the number of balls not yet deposited in the game hall That's it. In general, the number of balls acquired by a player on the day of the game hall is called “held ball”, and the number of balls acquired by the player before the previous day and stored in the game hall is “stored ball”. Say.

  The “game ball” is a ball that can be launched by the P platform 2. As described above, the data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount of a prepaid card, a possession ball, or a stored ball.

  Note that the number of balls may be managed by a management device for managing the number of balls set in the game hall. In short, the difference between “storing balls” and “holding balls” is the number of balls that have been deposited in the amusement hall through the operation of storing balls for depositing in the amusement hall, or are still deposited in the amusement park. It is a point whether it is the number of balls of the stage which is not.

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not directly stored in the member card, but is stored in association with the member card number on a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer, and the corresponding stored ball is searched based on the member card number. It is configured to be able to. On the other hand, the ball is directly stored in the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, the ball is directly stored in the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the possessed ball may be stored in the hall server in association with the card number. When storing in the hall server in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server may be written in the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. Also, the prepaid balance is written directly on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  The timing for storing the ball in a card (member card, visitor card) or hall server is stored at regular intervals, for example, in real time whenever the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed. It is conceivable that the timing is such that it is stored in a lump or when the card is returned.

  Also, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from CU3, the possessed ball stored in CU3 is temporarily stored in the hall server as a stored ball, and the date when the player receives the card return When a card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day, only the ball possessed for the day once stored as a storage ball is again stored in the CU3, and a game ball can be added and played within the range of the possessed ball You may do it.

  The banknote inserted into the banknote insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown), and its authenticity and banknote type are identified.

  Further, an IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321, and a card return button 322 are provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by an attendant at a game arcade, converts the infrared signal into an electronic signal, and outputs the electronic signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) to withdraw the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and use it in the game by the P stand 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes the game, and the number of possessed balls at the end of the game on the inserted card (number of possessed balls at the time of card insertion−number of conversions to game balls + count) This is an operation button for storing and discharging the number of possessed balls counted by the operation.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, the P platform 2 has a gaming machine frame (hereinafter also referred to as a cell) 5 and a glass door 6 with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4 with its left edge as the center of swing. It can be opened and closed.

  A pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are provided in the vicinity of the edge of the gaming machine frame 5 opposite to the swing center (the free end side). The engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at positions of the outer frame 4 facing the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b. When the released gaming machine frame 5 is pressed against the outer frame 4, the engaging protrusions 6a, 6b get over the engaging receiving pieces 7a, 7b, and the engaging protrusions 6a, 6b are moved downward by the biasing force of the spring in the state of getting over To move to the locked state.

  Then, a game attendant inserts a key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and performs an unlocking operation (for example, clockwise rotation), thereby a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a against the biasing force of the spring, 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement projections 6a and 6b are disengaged from the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be unlocked, and the gaming machine frame 5 is released.

  Further, the gaming machine frame 5 is also provided with an engaging protrusion 8 for the glass door 6, and an engaging hole 9 is provided in the glass door 6 portion facing the engaging protrusion 8. The engaging protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and the engaging protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engaging hole 9 by pressing the opened glass door 6 against the gaming machine frame 5. As a result, the engagement protrusion 8 is pushed down by the biasing force of the spring, and the engagement protrusion 8 and the engagement hole 9 are engaged with each other to be locked. In this state, a game attendant inserts a key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and performs an unlocking operation (for example, counterclockwise rotation), whereby the engaging protrusion 8 is pulled up against the biasing force of the spring. Then, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 8 and the engagement hole 9 is released, and the lock door is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

  A back mechanism part opening switch 13 is provided at a position where the lower part of the gaming machine frame 5 is in contact with the outer frame 4 and it is detected that the gaming machine frame 5 is opened. Further, a front decoration release switch 12 is provided in a contact portion with the glass door 6 in an upper part of the gaming machine frame 5, and it is detected by the front decoration release switch 12 that the glass door 6 is opened.

  The number of times the front ornament opening switch 12 and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are opened is counted by a counter (not shown). The counting counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can be operated by a backup power source even when the power supply of the P unit 2 is interrupted. Even when the power is turned off, the number of opening detections of the glass door 6 and the gaming machine frame 5 can be counted and the counted value can be transmitted to the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4). Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P base 2.

  A main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 can be detached from the game board 26 by first opening the gaming machine frame 5 and removing the gaming board 26 from the gaming machine frame 5. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the gaming machine frame 5, and therefore the back mechanism part opening switch 13 The work can be detected without fail. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, the back mechanism portion opening switch 13 can always detect the main control board 16.

  Further, a frame control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine frame 5. The frame control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the gaming machine frame 5 after first opening the gaming machine frame 5. Therefore, if the frame control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the gaming machine frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the frame control board 17 is illegally replaced, the back mechanism part opening switch 13 can always detect the frame.

  Next, a configuration in which the game board 26 is installed in the gaming machine frame 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state before and after the game board 26 is attached to the gaming machine frame 5. As shown in FIG. 3, attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine frame 5 so as to be openable and closable around hinges 35a and 35b, respectively. The attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b have a U-shaped shape and have a bottom having a width corresponding to the game board 26. By pushing the game board 26 into the gaming machine frame 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3B, the game board 26 is fixed by the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3A. When the game board 26 is fixed by the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A provided on the game board 26 side is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B provided on the game machine frame 5 side. Here, the convex drawer connector 33 </ b> A and the concave drawer connector 33 </ b> B are floating connectors having flexibility with respect to displacement.

  Further, when the gaming board 26 is installed in the gaming machine frame 5, the convex drawer connector 33A is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33B, so that the main control board 16 on the gaming board 26 side and the frame on the gaming machine frame 5 side are combined. The control board 17 is connected. Further, the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position, and the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B have flexibility with respect to a certain degree of positional deviation, so the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer These can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33B. Even if the game board 26 is installed in the gaming machine frame 5 with only the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector 33B without providing the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 33A and the concave drawer connector are provided. Since 33B itself is a flexible floating connector, these can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship between the gaming board 26 and the gaming machine frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 33A is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33B is connected to the frame shown in FIG. 2 via the signal cable 360. It is connected to the control board 17.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for the CU 3 and the P base 2. With reference to FIG. 4, the outline of the control circuit of CU3 and P stand 2 is demonstrated.

  The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is a main control function unit of the CU 3, a CPU serving as a control center, a ROM storing programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM functioning as a work area for the CPU, a peripheral An input / output interface and the like are provided for maintaining signal consistency with the device.

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal 340 for communicating with a hall management computer or a hall server that performs security management. The CU 3 receives the state of the CU 3 and the gaming machine state information (including information displayed on the performance display monitor 40) received from the P stand 2 via the external output terminal 340 for the hall management computer (hall control) or security. It is sent to the outside such as a hall server that manages the network. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the frame control board 17 of the P base 2 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the frame control board 17 are connected by, for example, an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the frame control board 17 includes lending information (information on an operation for debiting the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2) and lending response information (lending information). Response information to the CU control unit 323 in one direction from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. It is done by communication. For this reason, whether or not the CU 3 has received the count information and the gaming machine information is not recognized on the P stand 2 side. The CU 3 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

  To the CU control unit 323, the authenticity and type of the banknote are identified by the above-described money identifier, and the identification result signal is input. In addition, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by an attendant at the game hall, a light reception signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the stored information of the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 writes the information to the card reader / writer. When data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The card storage information includes a card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer until the game ends.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's ball when the player is playing. Data such as the remaining amount or the number of possessed balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided in front of the CU3. The display 312 displays an image corresponding to the display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be configured to be provided in the P stand 2 and input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

  The P base 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P base 2, a frame control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a drive control of the launch solenoid 31a based on commands from the frame control board 17 A launch control board 31, a variable display device 278, and an effect control board 15 that controls the display of the variable display device 278 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 16.

  The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the gaming machine. The microcomputer for gaming machine control maintains the consistency of signals with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface is provided. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

  When a ball wins each start winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / off and stores the random number. This is called reserved storage. The maximum value of the number of reserved memories is “4”, for example. When the variable display device 278 can start a new variable display, the main control unit 161 digests one reserved memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the reserved memory, and derives a display result from the variable start. The variable display time to reach is determined from multiple types. Further, when the big hit is determined, it is also determined whether or not the probability fluctuation is caused. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to change the probability) and information regarding the variable display time to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15 as commands.

  The variable display command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable start command indicating the start of variable display, a display result command indicating the result of variable display (big hit / out), and a variable display pattern. A variable display time command that is possible, a variable stop command that indicates the timing for deriving and displaying a variable display result, and the like are included. Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the production control unit 151 include a command that can identify the progress status of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new reserved memory, and the occurrence of an error in the gaming state. There are commands to show.

  The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable display result and a variable display time based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines a stop symbol, and a variable display pattern (reach presence / absence, reach type). In addition, the effect pattern of the notice effect related to the big hit or reach is determined. The effect control unit 151 controls display of the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

  The frame control board 17 is provided in the gaming machine frame 5. On the frame control board 17, a payout control microcomputer which is a frame control unit 171 is mounted. The frame control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming machine. The payout control microcomputer maintains the consistency of signals with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface is provided.

  Further, with respect to the frame control board 17, the counting button 28, the performance display monitor 40, the radio wave sensor 173, the subtraction solenoid 32a, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33, the out ball detection switch 701. The front decoration opening switch 12 and the back mechanism opening switch 13 are provided in an electrically connected state. An out sphere detection signal is input from the out sphere detection switch 701 to the frame control board 17. The main control board 16 calculates a base value (also simply referred to as a base) based on the out sphere detection signal as will be described later. The radio wave sensor 173 is used to detect an illegal act of illegally transmitting radio waves and mainly turning on the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the frame control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the frame control board 17. The subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects the launch of a game ball by changing from off to on, and based on the detection, the frame control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls.

  Therefore, if the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is always turned off due to unauthorized radio waves, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173.

  A performance display monitor 40 is provided on the frame control board 17. The performance display monitor 40 is a 7-segment LED display. The performance display monitor 40 displays predetermined information such as performance information related to a given game value (for example, a prize ball, etc.) calculated by the frame control unit 171, a base, a bonus rate, and a continuous bonus rate. In addition, although the information displayed on the performance display monitor 40 can be output to a hall server or the like via the CU 3, an external output terminal may be provided on the P stand 2 and output directly to the hall server or the like.

  Here, the base is a big winning port 271, a normal winning port 272-274, and a starting winning port 275-277 provided in the gaming area 27 with respect to the number of game balls that are driven into the gaming area 27 of the P stand 2. It is a ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the winning port. Further, the bonus rate (also referred to as “role rate”) refers to the rate of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the action of the bonuses. In the present embodiment, the bonus rate corresponds to the game value given by winning a prize in all winning mouths of game balls launched in 10 hours (100 balls can be launched in 1 minute, so 60000 balls). Of the number of game balls to be played, a game to the start winning opening 276 configured by an electric tulip that is one of the prizes and the big winning slot 271 configured by a variable winning ball apparatus that is one of the prizes The ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a ball. Further, the ratio of consecutive bonuses (also referred to as a continuous ratio) is the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by game balls launched in 10 hours when the bonuses are continuously activated when the bonuses are continuously activated. Say. In the present embodiment, the ratio of consecutive winnings is the gaming value given by winning all the winning holes of game balls fired in 10 hours (100 balls can be launched in 1 minute, so 60000 balls). Of the number of corresponding game balls, the ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the big winning port 271 provided with the variable winning ball device which is one of the functions is Say.

  From the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17, main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, number of symbols determined, and jackpot information are transmitted.

  The main control chip ID (also referred to as main chip ID) is a chip ID stored in the main control board 16 of the P base 2 and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P base 2 is turned on. Information. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, ordinary winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the table 2 is powered on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the frame control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

  The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a game ball won in a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. Upon receiving this detection signal, the frame control board 17 performs control to add the number of balls to be given to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of added balls.

  The start winning award winning information is information indicating that a game ball has won any of the starting winning awards. The error information is information for notifying the frame control board 17 that an error has occurred while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

  The symbol determination number of times is information on symbols determined as display results of the variable display device for winnings at each start winning opening.

  The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. The breakdown includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly used by each gaming machine maker, such as 15 round jackpots, and includes a probability change information if a probability change occurs with the jackpot. When the time-short state (control state for shortening the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time-shortage information is included. The manufacturer-specific big hit is a big hit state that is adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as sudden probability change (surprise).

  A gaming machine installation information reception result, gaming machine information reception result, and a frame control state are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16. The gaming machine installation information reception result and the gaming machine information reception result are commands for indicating that the gaming machine installation information and the gaming machine information are received from the main control board 16. The frame control state is a command for notifying the control state of the frame control board 17.

  The communication control IC 325 of the CU 3 and the frame control board 17 of the P base 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the communication control IC 325 to the frame control board 17 as described later. Conversely, various responses are transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the communication control IC 325 as described later.

  In addition to the frame control board 17, the gaming machine frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch solenoid 31 a, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number indicator 29 may be directly attached to the gaming machine frame 5, but the gaming machine frame 5 is like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko gaming machine from which a ball is paid out. You may make it provide in the aspect which can be rotated with respect to. The same applies to the display 54. The frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

  A launch permission signal is output from the frame control board 17 to the launch control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch solenoid 31 a of the launch mechanism 30. As a result, the game ball is in a state of being shot and launched into the game area 27. The firing control board 31 emits a firing solenoid excitation output to drive the firing solenoid 31a when an input signal of a touch ring for detecting that a player is touching the hitting ball operating handle 25 is input.

  The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing gaming machine information and game information stored in the RAM of the P unit 2, and after the P unit enters an error state, the store clerk operates the switch to initialize It becomes possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a store clerk after the card is discharged, for example.

<Circulation path of game balls>
Here, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the circulation path of the game ball in the P stand 2 will be outlined. When the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the firing solenoid 31a is driven. As a result, one game ball that has been supplied up to the launch position is shot by the hitting hammer and the game ball is driven into the game area 27.

  A subtraction reference signal is output to the subtraction mechanism 32 in conjunction with the firing solenoid 31a being actuated to fire the game ball. In the subtraction mechanism 32, the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized to move the movable piece based on the output subtraction reference signal, thereby sending the game ball to the launch mechanism 30, and the game ball passes through the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b. Subtract the number of game balls.

  Out balls that have entered the out area 154 (see FIG. 1) among balls that have been thrown into the game area 27 flow down the out ball flow path and are detected by an out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle. .

  All winning balls that have won the winning opening and the variable winning ball apparatus are collected on the back of the gaming machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, the out sphere and the foul sphere are also guided to the collection sphere passing path. A lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 is provided in the collection ball passage route. For this reason, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33. That is, the lifting mechanism outlet sensor 33 is a switch that detects all of the game balls that are bulleted. When the number detected by this switch becomes equal to the number of shots of the game balls shot by the firing solenoid 31a, it can be determined that all of the shot game balls have been collected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number detected by the lifting mechanism exit sensor 33 and the number of bullets is calculated, and when this difference is not 0, the balls thrown into the game area 27 are collected. It is determined that it has not been completed. By making this determination, it is possible to determine whether the game area 27 is rolling, or whether there is a floating ball that does not fall due to being caught between nails in the game area.

<Connection between CU and P stand>
The CU 3 and the P base 2 connect the communication control IC 325 and the frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 4 with PIF wiring. The configuration of the PIF wiring will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the PIF wiring that connects the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 5A shows the wiring number and information name of the PIF wiring that connects the CU 3 and the P base 2, and FIG. 5B shows the direction of information and the explanation of the information for each information name. It is shown in the figure.

  Specifically, the wiring number 1 has an information name “insulation GND” and is assigned an isolation GND. The wiring number 2 has an information name “insulation GND” and is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 6. The wiring number 3 has an information name “insulation GND” and is used for the signal GND of the wiring number 7. The wiring number 4 has an information name “PSI” and is used for transmitting connection confirmation information from the P platform 2 to the CU 3. The P stand 2 outputs a PSI signal to the CU 3 as a special signal for connection confirmation while detecting the connection with the CU 3 (VL = ON), and PSI when the connection with the CU 3 is not detected (VL = OFF). No signal is output to CU3. The wiring number 5 has an information name “insulation GND” and is assigned with an isolation GND. The wiring number 6 has an information name “lending response information, count information, gaming machine information” and is used to transmit each information from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The wiring number 7 has an information name “rental information” and is used for transmitting the loan information from the CU 3 to the P stand 2. The wiring numbers 8 and 9 have the information name “insulation 5V (VL)” and are assigned as signal lines of 5V for isolation (power supply VL for connection confirmation), respectively.

<Frame configuration used in communication between CU 3 and P stand 2>
Next, communication between the CU 3 and the P base 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. A message used in the communication is composed of a frame having a predetermined format. Transmission data (message) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the divided transmission of the message is not performed. Moreover, when transmitting a message | telegram continuously, the space | interval of 1 millisecond or more is opened.

<Information sent and received between CU and P platform>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an outline of information (message) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P platform 2 will be described. Asynchronous common to the CU3 from the frame control board 17 of the P unit 2 with (a) lending information, (b) lending response information, (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information. Communicates with the serial communication port. The four types of information (messages) (a) to (d) transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 have different message headers, and the types of messages can be distinguished by the headers. It has become.

  Even if (a) the lending information and (b) the lending response information are communicated through the common asynchronous serial communication port, (a) the lending information and (c) the counting information are transferred to the common asynchronous serial communication port. Even if communication is performed, (a) rental information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated using a common asynchronous serial communication port. Further, even if (b) the lending response information and (c) the counting information are communicated through a common asynchronous serial communication port, (b) the lending response information and (d) the gaming machine information are shared by the same asynchronous serial communication. Even if communication is performed at the port, (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information may be communicated at a common asynchronous serial communication port.

  In FIG. 6A, lending information is described. In the lending information, there are lending ball number information and lending serial number information for communication management as information included in a lending notice message transmitted by the CU 3 to the P platform 2. The information on the number of rented balls is information on the number of game balls related to lending, and information on the number of game balls transmitted in one piece of information includes, for example, information on 125 balls. Note that the lending information may be transmitted by including 0 (zero) information in the lending ball number information when the lending ball number is 0 (zero).

  In FIG. 6B, the lending response information is described. The lending response information includes lending ball number reception result information and lending serial number information for communication management as information included in the lending receipt result response message transmitted from the P platform 2 to the CU 3. The information on the result of receiving the rented ball number is information that informs the CU3 of the result of receiving the information on the rented ball number transmitted from the CU3.

  FIG. 6C shows the counting information. In the count information, the P stand 2 transmits to the CU 3 as a count notification message including the count ball count, the count cumulative ball count, and the count sequence number for communication management. Note that the P platform 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The number of counting balls, the number of counting cumulative balls, and the counting sequence number are all information for the purpose of counting game balls. Further, the number of counting balls transmitted by one information is, for example, 250 balls. Note that the count information may be transmitted by adding 0 (zero) information to the count ball count information when the count ball count is 0 (zero).

  FIG. 6D shows gaming machine information. In the gaming machine information, the P stand 2 transmits gaming machine installation information, gaming machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information to the CU 3. Note that the P platform 2 does not receive information for confirming the transmission result from the CU 3. The gaming machine installation information is information for the purpose of machine history management, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of gaming machine installation information notification after the power is turned on. The gaming machine installation information includes information such as the manufacturer code, model code, and chip ID number of the main / frame control CPU.

  The gaming machine performance information is information for the purpose of tabulating performance information, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a message of gaming machine performance information notification. The gaming machine performance information outputs the result calculated based on the game. The total number of game balls to be fired, the total number of game balls to be obtained, the rate of departure, the number of game balls to be obtained (low base), and the game balls to be earned per minute Number (high base), the total number of game balls acquired by special electric instruments, the total number of game balls acquired by ordinary electric instruments, the total game balls acquired by consecutive consecutive differential devices, the total number of game balls acquired by the starting port, normal Total number of game balls earned at the prize opening, total number of operations of special electric instruments, total number of operations of ordinary electric instruments, total number of operations of special symbol display devices, total number of operations of normal symbol display devices, ratio of objects, continuous Includes information such as the ratio of items. Further, as conditions for the frame control board 17 to notify the CU 3 of the gaming machine performance information, for example, (1) notification is made after 3 minutes have passed since the power of the P stand 2 is turned on; Notification every minute (for example, 60000 balls) or every specified period (for example, 10 hours), (3) Notification prior to gaming machine installation information notification, (4) Notification of hallcon / unauthorized monitoring information There is a condition such as notification in the next cycle (after 300 ms). These conditions are only examples, and other conditions may be adopted. Also, any one of the above conditions may be adopted, or a plurality of conditions may be used in combination. Good.

  The hall control information is information for the purpose of summing up the hall control information, and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telegram of notification of hall control and fraud monitoring information. The hall control information includes jackpots, probability fluctuations, time reductions, the number of winning balls in each winning opening, and the like. The fraud monitoring information is information for the purpose of fraud monitoring by the CU 3 and is transmitted to the CU 3 as a telecon notification of hall control / fraud monitoring information. The hall control information includes information such as the number of game balls (current number of balls held) and the number of game balls.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating timing of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. In the sequence shown in FIG. 7, the No. of the (b) loan response information shown in FIG. 3-No. Information (4), (c) counting information, and (d) gaming machine information are transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. Conversely, (a) No. of rental information shown in FIG. 1-No. 2 information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through a common asynchronous serial communication port.

  The sequence shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and (c) counting information and (d) gaming machine information shown in FIG. 6 may be transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. . In the case of this sequence, (a) No. of rental information shown in FIG. 1-No. 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 via another asynchronous serial communication port. 3-No. 4 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through another asynchronous serial communication port. Furthermore, (a) No. of rental information shown in FIG. 1-No. 2 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 through the common asynchronous serial communication port, and the No. of the lending information shown in FIG. 3-No. 4 and (c) the count information may be transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 through a common asynchronous serial communication port. In the case of this sequence, (d) the gaming machine information shown in FIG. 6 may be a sequence in which the P machine 2 transmits to the CU 3 through another asynchronous serial communication port.

  Of the information transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, (d) gaming machine information is transmitted every prescribed period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 until the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The P machine 2 can transmit the gaming machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the gaming machine information at the CU 3. Therefore, the P machine 2 does not need to retransmit the gaming machine information, and it is not necessary to store past gaming machine information, thereby reducing the processing load.

  In this way, information is transmitted from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 at intervals of 300 ms. On the other hand, by operating the hitting operation handle 25, the P stand 2 hits 100 game balls into the game area 27 per minute, so the hitting time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of pieces of information are transmitted and received while firing one sphere.

  The gaming machine information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port that is shared with the counting information. Therefore, if you try to send counting information at the timing of sending gaming machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested in the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur and communication will not be performed correctly is there. Therefore, in the case of the P machine 2, when the gaming machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 for each specified period A, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after transmitting the gaming machine information to optimize information transmission. At the timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms), the count information is communicated with the CU3.

  In FIG. 8, after the hall control information and the fraud monitoring information are transmitted to the CU 3 as gaming machine information, the gaming machine information is transmitted immediately before the timing for transmitting the gaming machine information (after the lapse of the specified period A). (C) The counting ball number and the counting sequence number are transmitted to the CU 3 as counting information at a timing within a specified period B from the beginning. When the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the counting information is transmitted after waiting for the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information after the operation. Performed within period B.

  The transmission of the count information is not limited to the case where the count information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, and may be any timing that does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

  (A) As for the lending information, the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, so that the number of lending balls and the lending serial number are transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The lending information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port different from the gaming machine information. On the other hand, (b) lending response information for lending information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the gaming machine information. Therefore, if you try to send the loan response information at the timing of sending the gaming machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested in the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur and communication will not be performed correctly There is.

  Therefore, CU3 transmits the gaming machine information after the gaming machine information is transmitted to the CU3 for each prescribed period A, on condition that the counting information is not received. Lending information is transmitted to the P platform 2 at a timing corresponding to a specified period C (for example, 270 ms) different from the specified period B. That is, the P-unit 2 receives the information on the number of lent balls and the rented serial number from the CU 3 at a timing after the lapse of the specified period C from the transmission of the gaming machine information, The lending response number lending response information is transmitted to the CU3. When the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the information on the number of lending balls and the lending serial number is transmitted after the operation. Waiting for the timing of receiving the gaming machine information from, and after the lapse of the specified period C from the timing.

  The transmission of the lending information is not limited to the case where it is performed after the lapse of the specified period C from the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, and may be any timing that does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information. It may be until the timing within the specified period C after the period B elapses. It should be noted that different values can be appropriately set for the specified periods A to C so that the communication timings of various information are shifted.

<Transmission / reception mode between card unit side and pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored on each of the CU 3 side and the P stand 2 side and its transmission / reception mode. With reference to FIG. 9, main ones of various data stored on each of the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side and transmission / reception modes thereof will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the variation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P-unit 2 side, and the current latest number of game balls is stored and managed. The CU3 side also calculates and stores the current number of game balls, but the number of game balls is based on information transmitted from the P table 2 side. On the other hand, the number of balls held (the number of cards held), the number of balls stored, and the prepaid balance (remaining amount) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

  FIG. 9 shows RAM storage data provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU 3 side and RAM storage data mounted on the frame control board 17 on the P base 2 side. First, when the power is turned on for the first time when the P stand 2 and the CU 3 are installed in the amusement hall and are electrically connected, the frame control board 17 on the P stand 2 side moves from the main control board 16 to the main chip. ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the frame chip ID (frame control chip ID) stored in the frame control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. .

  On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and frame chip ID are stored. In this state, information on the main chip ID and the frame chip ID is stored on the CU3 side and the P base 2 side. When the power is turned on thereafter, the two pieces of information, that is, the main chip ID and the frame chip ID are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  On the CU 3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the data already stored, and it is determined whether or not the same P base 2 is connected as in the previous time. On the other hand, the P unit 2 transmits information such as information on the main chip ID and the frame chip ID as installation information to the CU 3 after power-on, and then transmits gaming machine information to the outside including the CU 3 at predetermined intervals. Is possible. Since the P machine 2 can output the gaming machine information without going through the authentication process, the processing load can be reduced.

  Both the CU 3 and the P platform 2 add the “sequential number” to the message and transmit it. Moreover, both CU3 and P stand 2 memorize | store the "serial number" received from the other party. There are three types of “sequential numbers”: “game ball number serial number”, “counting serial number”, and “lending serial number”. “Serial number” indicates the sequence number of the message. “Serial number” is transmitted by the transmission side (primary station side) counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission with an initial value “1”. However, the “serial number” is not counted up at the time of retransmission. The receiving side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that there is no response if the serial number continuity is not established. The “game ball number sequence number” is a sequence number used when the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 of the number of game balls. The “counting serial number” is a serial number used when the P stand 2 requests the CU 3 to count game balls. The “lending serial number” is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P platform 2 to lend gaming balls.

  The latest gaming machine performance information, hall control information and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. The latest gaming machine performance information, hall control information, and fraud monitoring information are stored in the RAM of the frame control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) on the P stand 2 side. Specifically, information on the counting ball number counter is included. As for the number of game balls, the count value of the game ball number counter is transmitted from the P table 2 side to the CU 3 side as fraud monitoring information. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball counter, the number of game balls may be included in the latest game machine performance information.

  Information on these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU 3 side as gaming machine information. In CU3, the change of the number of game balls is grasped from the latest gaming machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the P stand 2. In CU3, for example, the number of game balls is added based on “number of winning balls × number of winning balls” included in the hall control information, and the number of game balls is subtracted based on “number of shot balls”. Further, the counting ball number counter is a counter for counting the counting ball number. The number of counted balls is “the number of balls converted from a game ball to a possessed ball by a counting operation”. The counting cumulative ball number counter is a counter that counts the counting cumulative ball number. The counted cumulative number of balls is “the cumulative number of balls converted from a game ball to a possessed ball by the counting operation”, the cumulative number of balls counted from the RAM clear (initialization operation), or the cumulative number counted that day. The number of balls. It is assumed that the cumulative number of balls does not change even if the player changes. Further, a 2-byte data area is allocated to the counting cumulative ball number counter, and information of 0 ball to 65,535 balls can be stored. Therefore, the counting cumulative ball number counter updates the next value to “0x0000 (0 ball)” when the counting cumulative ball number is counted up to “0xFFFF (65,535 balls)”. If a counting operation is accepted during the launch of a game ball, the update process of the game points subject to the count process is performed preferentially, and the launch of the game ball is stopped to update the game points corresponding to the launch. Stops execution. As a result, it is possible to avoid the timing of the subtraction of the game points subject to the counting process and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the launches from being overlapped, and the game point update process can be realized more accurately. Generation of update processing can be prevented. Further, the subtraction of the game points to be counted and the subtraction of the game points corresponding to the launch may be performed simultaneously. Thereby, since the launch of the game ball is not stopped, a smooth game can be realized. Here, the “prize ball” is a ball that is paid out when a ball wins a winning opening, and is a safe ball. The “firing ball” is a ball fired by the gaming machine, and when there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of fired balls.

  When the count button 28 is pressed, the frame control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the count ball number, and transmits the value of the count ball number counter (count ball number) from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. The frame control unit 171 updates the count cumulative ball number counter value every time the value of the count ball number counter (count ball number) is counted, and the value of the count cumulative ball number counter (count cumulative ball number). Is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side.

  On the P platform 2 side, each time the count ball counter value is transmitted to the CU 3 side, the count value is stored (rewritten) as backup data in the previous gaming machine information storage area (RAM of the frame control unit 171). Thereafter, the value of the counting ball number counter is cleared to 0 (except for the gaming ball number counter). In the present embodiment, “clear” has the same meaning as “initialization”.

  As a result, the count ball number data transmitted to the CU 3 side immediately before is stored as backup data in the storage area of the previous gaming machine information (game machine information transmitted immediately before). This backup data includes not only the value of each counter at the time of the next transmission but also the value of each previous counter that was not transmitted in the next transmission when the data of the counting ball number is not transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. It is intended to be able to transmit even. You may make it memorize | store by adding the number of game balls transmitted immediately before to this last game machine information.

  Further, the frame control board 17 updates the value of the game ball number counter in accordance with the occurrence of the winning, the launch of the ball, and the occurrence of the counting ball (conversion from the game ball to the possessed ball), and the game after the update The value of the ball counter is transmitted to the CU 3 side as the number of game balls.

  On the CU3 side, the accumulated data storage area in the RAM stores the number of game balls, the number of card possessions (also simply referred to as the number of possessions), the number of balls, the remaining amount, and the number of possessions at the time of card insertion. The number of cards possessed is the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls lent (the number of balls converted from the number of cards possessed to the number of game balls) from the number of balls possessed at the time of card insertion and adding the number of counted balls. In other words, the card possession number is the number of possession possessed by the player at the present time.

  The card holding ball number is added based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P stand 2, and is updated by subtracting from the number of game balls. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the number of game balls and the number of card possessions with the latest game machine information transmitted from the P platform 2 one by one.

  As shown in the figure, the CU 3 has an area for storing the number of game balls, and also receives a count value of a game ball number counter (also referred to as game ball number or game ball total number information) from the P stand 2 side. . CU3 updates the area for storing the number of game balls in the following procedure. That is, CU3 grasps the change of the number of game balls from the latest game machine performance information and hall control information transmitted from the P stand 2 side, and based on the value of the count ball counter and the value of the loaned ball The stored number of game balls is updated, and it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P-unit 2 side matches the updated number of game balls. If they match, the game is allowed to continue. If they do not match, control to shift to an error state is performed.

  As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the indicator 312 or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server (in this case, the hall management computer). Or an error notification by the hall server may be performed). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts an artificial response by a staff member is performed.

  Instead of shifting to an error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side may be replaced with the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, it may be corrected to an average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P table 2 side.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU 3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side due to fraud or other circumstances, it can be checked. Here, although the determination function is provided on the CU3 side, for example, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the Pball 2 side are stored by the hall server or hall management computer connected to the CU3. It is also possible to receive the number of game balls being received and determine whether or not they match.

  In addition, when the count information cannot be received, the CU 3 executes special processing because the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side and the number of game balls managed and stored on the P stand 2 side do not match. . As the special processing, processing to display the history information of gaming machine information to compensate for the number of gaming balls based on gaming machine information, compensation of the number of gaming balls based on the history information, and error notification Or

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of card possessed balls and the number of balls stored, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and a possessed ball when the card is inserted. And a storage area for storing. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of the stored balls (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (when there is no holding ball)). A predetermined number of stored balls is subtracted from the storage area.

  The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores a ball in response to an input requesting the use of the ball (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the ball is present). A predetermined number of balls are subtracted from the area. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

  If the player performs an operation that lends a value of a certain size from the possession value (for example, the number of possessed balls, the number of stored balls, or the prepaid balance) owned by the player and uses it for the game, the number of balls to be withdrawn Is sent from the CU3 side to the P stand 2 side. In response to this, the P-unit 2 side adds and updates the game ball counter.

  On the other hand, in the gaming system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accept a so-called wagon service order in which the possession value owned by the player is withdrawn and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, receiving wagon services with game balls is restricted, and wagon services can only be received with handballs. This is an image of prohibiting the use of the ball before counting remaining in the dish by hand and using it for the wagon service in the conventional enclosed circulation pachinko gaming machine in which each counter is provided.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of possessed balls is less than the number corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is prompted to perform the counting operation. Has been. When the player performs a counting operation at that time, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds and updates the number of card possessions.

<Variation 1 of communication between CU and P platform>
7 and 8, the example in which the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 determines the timing for transmitting and receiving the counting information and the lending information with reference to the timing for transmitting the gaming machine information. As a first modification, the timing for transmitting the counting information is determined based on the timing for transmitting the gaming machine information, but the timing for receiving the lending information is determined based on the timing for transmitting the counting information. An example of communication with 2 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating timing of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Of the information transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3, (d) gaming machine information is transmitted every prescribed period A as shown in FIG. That is, the period from the transmission of information from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 until the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.3 seconds). The P machine 2 can transmit the gaming machine information to the CU 3 every specified period A regardless of the reception status of the gaming machine information at the CU 3. Therefore, the P machine 2 does not need to retransmit the gaming machine information, and it is not necessary to store past gaming machine information, thereby reducing the processing load.

  The gaming machine information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port that is shared with the counting information. Therefore, if you try to send counting information at the timing of sending gaming machine information, there is a possibility that the information will be congested in the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision will occur and communication will not be performed correctly is there. Therefore, in the case of the P machine 2, when the gaming machine information is transmitted to the CU 3 for each specified period A, the specified period shorter than the specified period A after transmitting the gaming machine information to optimize information transmission. (C) Count information is transmitted to CU3 at a timing corresponding to B (for example, 100 ms). The count information is transmitted to the CU 3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status at the CU 3. When the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of counting balls includes, for example, information on 250 balls, and the player operating the counting button 28 determines the gaming machine information. If it is not done before transmitting, information on 0 (zero) sphere is included in the number of counted spheres.

  The transmission of the count information is not limited to the case where the count information is transmitted within the specified period B from the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, and may be any timing that does not cause congestion with the gaming machine information. It may be until the timing when the machine information is transmitted.

  In FIG. 8, after transmitting the count information to CU3, the lending information is received from CU3 during the reception valid time (for example, 170 ms). The lending information transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 includes information on the number of lending balls and lending serial numbers. When the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the lending ball number includes, for example, information on 125 balls, and the ball lending button by the player When the operation of the 321 or the replay button 319 is not performed before transmitting the gaming machine information, information on 0 (zero) balls is included in the number of lent balls.

  The lending response information communicates with the asynchronous serial communication port common to the gaming machine information. Therefore, when the loan response information is transmitted from the CU 3 at the timing of transmitting the gaming machine information, the information is congested in the common asynchronous serial communication port, data collision occurs, and communication is not performed correctly. there is a possibility.

  Therefore, the CU 3 transmits the lending information to the P unit 2 during the reception valid time after receiving the count information. That is, the P platform 2 receives the lending ball number and lending serial number information from the CU 3 at the timing within the reception valid time after transmitting the count information, and within the response time, the lending ball number reception result and lending serial number are received. The lending response information is transmitted to CU3.

  The CU 3 will be described in more detail with respect to the timing of transmitting the lending information within the reception valid time after receiving the count information. FIG. 11 is a timing chart of Modification 1 of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine.

  First, in (i) shown in FIG. 11, the frame control board 17 transmits gaming machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms when a game is possible. In (ii), the frame control board 17 transmits the count information after 100 ms has elapsed since the transmission of the gaming machine information regardless of whether or not the player has operated the count button 28. Further, when the count button 28 is pressed within a 300 ms cycle, the count information is transmitted with the count ball count being 250. When there is no operation of the count button 28, 0 (zero) information is put in the count ball number and the count information is transmitted.

  In (iii), the CU 3 transmits the lending information within 170 ms (reception valid time) from the completion of reception of the count information. When the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is pressed within the 300 ms cycle, lending information is transmitted with the number of lending balls as 125. In addition, when there is no operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, lending information is transmitted by putting information of 0 (zero) in the number of lending balls. Note that the lending information is transmitted from the CU3 within 170 ms after the completion of the reception of the counting information, but the response information corresponding to the counting information is not transmitted from the CU3. Therefore, the P base 2 side does not recognize whether the CU 3 has received the count information.

  In (iv), when the frame control board 17 receives the lending ball number and lending serial number information from the CU 3, the lending ball number receiving result and lending response number lending response information are received within 10 ms (response time) from the reception of the information. Send to CU3. (V) Thereafter, the same operation is repeated at a cycle of 300 ms.

  At the timing shown in FIG. 11, the lending information and the lending response information are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 without the player operating the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319. However, if the player does not operate the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319, the lending information and the lending response information may not be transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P stand 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the timing of the lending information and the lending response information transmitted / received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine.

  First, in (i) shown in FIG. 12, when the game becomes possible, the frame control board 17 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms. In (ii), the frame control board 17 transmits the count information after 100 ms has elapsed since the transmission of the gaming machine information regardless of whether or not the player has operated the count button 28. Further, when the count button 28 is pressed within a 300 ms cycle, the count information is transmitted with the count ball count being 250. When there is no operation of the count button 28, 0 (zero) information is put in the count ball number and the count information is transmitted. (Iii) Thereafter, the same operation is repeated at a cycle of 300 ms.

  In (iv), when the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is pressed, the CU 3 transmits lending information with the lending ball number as 125 within 170 ms (reception valid time) from completion of reception of the count information. That is, the player's operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is performed before transmitting the count information, and after the operation, waiting for the timing of receiving the count information from the P stand 2, 170 ms Lending information is sent within (reception valid time). On the other hand, when the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 is not pressed, the CU 3 does not transmit the lending information even if the reception of the count information is completed. In (v), when the frame control board 17 receives the lending ball number and lending serial number information from the CU 3, the lending ball number receiving result and lending response number lending response information are received within 10 ms (response time) from the reception of the information. Send to CU3.

  Next, a description will be given of processing when an unconnection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine when information is transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine at the timing shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the timing of information when a connection is not generated between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 11, the processing at the timings after (vi) will be described.

  In (vi), when unconnected due to the PIF wiring being disconnected between the CU 3 and the P base 2, the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 is changed from 5V to 0 ( Zero) changes to V (VL = change from ON to OFF). Based on the fact that the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 has changed from 5V to 0V, the frame control board 17 is a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31. Is output. Thus, in the P stand 2, by performing the process as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and process without performing authentication with the CU3. Further, based on the fact that the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation has changed from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 becomes invalid in the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG. When the P station 2 is a primary station and the player operates the counting button 28 and outputs the counting information to the CU 3 when the unconnected state occurs due to the PIF wiring being disconnected or the like, Since the reception of the count information is not confirmed for 2, the recovery processing using the gaming machine information in the CU3 may be difficult. In order not to cause a disadvantage to the player due to such an event, when an unconnection occurs between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, the operation of the counting button 28 itself is invalidated or the counting information output is invalidated. Yes.

  Even after an unconnection occurs between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, in (vii), the frame control board 17 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 300 ms when a game is possible. In (viii), the frame control board 17 transmits the count information after 100 ms has elapsed since the transmission of the gaming machine information regardless of whether or not the count button 28 is operated by the player.

<Variation 2 of communication between CU and P platform>
7 and 8, when communication of lending information, counting information, and gaming machine information is performed using a common asynchronous serial communication port, an example of determining the period of other information based on the period of transmitting gaming machine information Explained. In the second modification, an example will be described in which the transmission interval of the lending response information for the lending information is shorter than the transmission interval of the gaming machine information when the P stand 2 periodically receives the lending information from the CU 3. Therefore, it is assumed that the communication between the P stand 2 and the CU 3 transmits and receives information based on the gaming machine information also at the timing of the second modification. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the timing of Modification 2 of information transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. 7 and 8, the P base 2 is described as a primary station and the CU3 is a secondary station. However, in FIG. 14, the CU3 is described as a primary station and the P base 2 is a secondary station. Further, the processing when unconnection occurs between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 can be applied to the communication of the second modification illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the (a) lending information (lending ball number and lending serial number information) transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 is regardless of the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 by the player. It is transmitted every specified period A. That is, the period from the transmission of the lending information from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 until the transmission of the next information is controlled to the specified period A (for example, 300 ms = 0.2 seconds). When the player operates the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 before transmitting the lending information, the lending ball number includes, for example, 125 balls information, and the player lends the button 321. Alternatively, when the operation of the replay button 319 is not performed before the lending information is transmitted, information on 0 (zero) balls is included in the number of lending balls.

  When receiving information on the number of rented balls and lending serial numbers from the CU 3, the P platform 2 transmits lending response information including information on the number of lending balls received and information on the lending serial numbers within the response time.

  In the P machine 2, when the lending information is received from the CU 3 every predetermined period A, the lending response information, the counting information, and the gaming machine information communicate with each other through a common asynchronous serial communication port. Therefore, the count information is transmitted to the CU 3 at a timing corresponding to a specified period B (for example, 100 ms) shorter than the specified period A after receiving the lending information.

  In FIG. 14, after receiving information on the number of balls and lending serial numbers as rent information from the CU 3 and before receiving the next rent information (after the lapse of the stipulated period A), the specified period B The count ball number and the count sequence number are transmitted to the CU 3 as count information at the timing within. When the player operates the counting button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of counting balls includes, for example, information on 250 balls, and the player operating the counting button 28 determines the gaming machine information. If it is not done before transmitting, information on 0 (zero) sphere is included in the number of counted spheres.

  The transmission of the count information is not limited to the case where it is performed within the specified period B from the timing of receiving the lending information, but may be from the time after the specified period B has elapsed until the timing of receiving the next lending information.

  As gaming machine information, hall control information and fraud monitoring information are transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. When gaming machine information is performed at the timing of transmitting count information, information may be congested within a common asynchronous serial communication port, and data collision may occur, resulting in communication failure.

  Therefore, when transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3, the P machine 2 performs the timing corresponding to a specified period C (for example, 200 ms) different from the specified period A and the specified period B after receiving the lending information. That is, the P-unit 2 transmits the hall control information and the fraud monitoring information to the CU 3 at a timing after the lapse of the specified period C after receiving the lending information.

  The gaming machine information is not limited to the timing when the specified period C elapses from the timing of receiving the lending information, and may be any timing that does not cause congestion with the counting information. Or until the timing within the specified period C. It should be noted that different values can be appropriately set for the specified periods A to C so that the communication timings of various information are shifted.

  Next, a process when an unconnection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine when information is transmitted / received between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine at the timing shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the timing of information when a connection is not generated between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timings after (vi) will be described.

  In (vi), when unconnected due to the PIF wiring being disconnected between the CU 3 and the P base 2, the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 is changed from 5V to 0 ( Zero) V. Based on the fact that the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5 has changed from 5V to 0V, the frame control board 17 launches the game ball against the launch control board 31. Outputs information to stop. Thus, in the P stand 2, by performing the process as shown in FIG. 15, the launch of the game ball can be stopped with a simple configuration and process without performing authentication with the CU3. In CU3, processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls may be performed based on the fact that the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation has changed from 5V to 0V.

  As control for operating or stopping the launching device, in FIG. 15, when the CU 3 is not connected to the P stand 2, the frame control board 17 monitors the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied from the CU 3 and connects it. A description has been given of a configuration in which when the power supply VL for confirmation is not supplied, it is determined that the power supply VL is not connected and the firing stop control is performed. However, the configuration in which it is determined that the connection is not performed and the firing stop control is performed is not limited to this configuration, and may be another configuration.

  For example, FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example 1 of the timing of information in the case where disconnection occurs between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timings after (vi) will be described.

  In (vi), a disconnection or the like occurs in the receiving wiring (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. 5) from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, and the P stand 2 cannot receive the lending information transmitted from the CU 3. In addition, since the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is not disconnected, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation remains 5V. The lending information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 at a cycle of 300 ms. Therefore, it is scheduled that new lending information will be transmitted from the P-unit 2 300 ms after the lending information received last time. However, in the event that a fault disconnection or the like occurs in the receiving wiring from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, the rental information is not transmitted from the P stand 2.

  In (vii), when the next lending information cannot be received after 1200 ms from the previously received lending information, it is determined that a faulty disconnection or the like has occurred in the receiving wiring, and the received signal is in a communication non-response state. The frame control board 17 outputs a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops the transmission from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 for the lending response information, the count information, and the gaming machine information. Furthermore, based on the fact that the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation has changed from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 becomes invalid in the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG.

  That is, in FIG. 16, in the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, the frame control board 17 monitors the cycle of the message (lending information) transmitted from the CU 3 when the received signal becomes a non-response state. If the signal cannot be received for a certain period of time, it is determined that the received signal is in a communication non-response state and the emission stop control is performed. Thus, in the P stand 2, by performing the process as shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and process without performing authentication with the CU3. The CU 3 performs processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls based on the fact that a response to the lending information transmitted to the P stand 2 (for example, information including the result of receiving the number of lending balls) cannot be received even after a predetermined time has elapsed. May be.

  Next, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example 2 of the timing of information in the case where disconnection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timings after (vi) will be described.

  In (vi), a disconnection or the like occurs in the wiring for transmission from the P base 2 to the CU 3 (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5), and information cannot be transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. In addition, since the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is not disconnected, the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation remains 5V. The lending information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2 in a cycle of 300 ms, and as a response thereto, the lending ball number receipt result and the lending response information of the lending serial number are sent from the P stand 2 to the CU 3 within the response time. However, when a failure or the like occurs in the wiring for transmission from the P base 2 to the CU 3, the lending response information is not transmitted from the P base 2.

  In (vii), since the information on the result of receiving the number of lent balls transmitted from the frame control board 17 does not arrive, the CU 3 retransmits the lent information having the same contents as the previous time. Specifically, the CU 3 does not update the lending serial number (+1) and retransmits the lending information after 300 ms when the lending ball number reception result response information transmitted from the frame control board 17 has not yet reached.

  In (viii), when the frame control board 17 receives the retransmitted lending information, the lending serial number of the lending information retransmitted from the CU 3 is the same as the previously received lending serial number. Resend the information on the number reception result response. In addition, when the broken disconnection, etc. that occurred in the transmission wiring has been recovered, the information on the response of the retransmitted loaned ball number reception result reaches the CU3. The result response information does not reach CU3.

  In (ix), the frame control board 17 determines that the transmission signal is in a communication non-response state when the lending information having the same lending serial number as the previous lending information is received after 1200 ms has elapsed from the lending information received last time, and the launch control is performed. A signal for stopping the launch of the game ball is output to the substrate 31. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops the transmission from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 for the lending response information, the count information, and the gaming machine information.

  That is, in FIG. 17, when the transmission signal is in a non-response state in communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, the frame control board 17 monitors the serial number of the message (lending information) transmitted from the CU 3. However, when the serial number cannot be updated for a certain time or more, it is determined that the transmission signal is in a communication non-response state and the emission stop control is performed. Thus, in the P stand 2, by performing the processing as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and processing without performing authentication with the CU3. Even if the CU 3 performs processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls based on the fact that the lending response information (for example, information on the result of lending ball number reception) transmitted to the P stand 2 cannot be received even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Good.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example 3 of the timing of information in the case where a disconnection occurs between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. Since the processing at the timings (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the processing at the timing shown in FIG. 14, the processing at the timings after (vi) will be described.

  In (vi), a disconnection or the like is caused by a wiring for transmission from the P base 2 to the CU3 (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5) or a wiring for receiving from the CU3 to the P base 2 (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. 5). Occurs, and information cannot be transmitted / received between the P stand 2 and the CU 3. Therefore, the lending information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 at a cycle of 300 ms, and the response result of the lending ball number reception result and the lending response number lending response information is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 as response information. However, neither information is transmitted / received.

  In (vii), the CU3 changes the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation from 5V to 0V (OFF state: VL = OFF) when no information can be transmitted / received after 1200 ms from the previously transmitted lending information. Let The frame control board 17 outputs a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31 when the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL changes from 5V to 0V. Further, the frame control board 17 also stops the transmission from the P platform 2 to the CU 3 for the lending response information, the count information, and the gaming machine information. Furthermore, based on the fact that the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation has changed from 5V to 0V, the operation of the counting button 28 becomes invalid in the counting switch board 37 shown in FIG.

  That is, in FIG. 18, when the reception signal or the transmission signal becomes a non-response state in the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, the CU 3 changes the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL, and the frame control board. Reference numeral 17 denotes a configuration in which the emission stop control is performed by monitoring the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation to determine that the received signal or the transmitted signal is in a communication non-response state. Thus, in the P stand 2, by performing the process as shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball with a simple configuration and process without performing authentication with the CU3. The CU 3 may perform processing such as prohibiting the lending of game balls based on the fact that the lending response information transmitted from the P platform 2 cannot be received after a lapse of a predetermined time.

  As described above, when disconnection occurs between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, it is determined that the connection is not established based on various configurations, and the launch stop control is performed. Launch stop control may be performed. Of course, regarding the processing relating to the determination of unconnected between CU3 and P stand 2 shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, information between CU 3 and P stand 2 is based on the gaming machine information shown in FIG. The present invention can be similarly applied to a configuration for transmitting. Also, if the gaming machine is not a pachinko gaming machine (P 2) but a slot machine, as shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. The change is not started by invalidating the lever or the bet button.

<Counting notification sequence>
Next, a count notification sequence for counting and subtracting a part of the game balls will be described. 19 and 20 are diagrams showing a count notification sequence between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. 19 and 20 show a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting a card return operation.

  In FIG. 19, the number of possessed balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “100” and the initial number of game balls is “1000”. .

  Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 250 balls continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected. However, even if the number of game balls to be counted increases according to the time for which the count button is pressed and held for a long time, or when the count button is pressed for a certain period of time, all the number of game balls that are held are counted. May be.

  First, the P machines transmit gaming machine information including a message of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification to the CU 3. If the telegram is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of serial number = n and the number of game balls = 1000, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, it includes information of serial number = n, If it is a gaming machine performance information notification, information of serial number = n is included. The P units transmit the counting information including the count notification message to the CU 3 within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3.

  When the player has pressed the count button 28 before transmitting the count information to the CU 3, the P number includes a count sequence number = m, a count ball number = 250, and a count cumulative ball number = 250 in the count notification message. The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information. In the case where the P-unit sends a count notification message including information of the number of counted balls = 250 to the CU3, the number of gaming balls = 750 is subtracted from the information of the number of held gaming balls = 1000. Update to information. On the other hand, if the player does not press the count button 28 before transmitting the count information to the CU3, the P platform has a count serial number = m, count ball count = 0, count cumulative ball count = Notifying the CU 3 that there is no information including 0 information.

  For example, when the player has not operated the counting button, the counting ball number included in the counting notification message transmitted to the CU 3 is 0 (zero) ball counting data. For example, when a continuous operation of less than 0.5 seconds is detected according to the player's operation of the counting button, the number of counting balls included in the count notification message transmitted to the CU 3 is one ball count data. This is an operation used for adjusting the fraction of the holding ball. When a continuous operation of 0.5 seconds or more and less than 0.8 seconds is detected, the count ball number included in the count notification message transmitted to the CU 3 is 250 count data. In the case of detecting a continuous operation of 0.8 seconds or more, the count ball number included in the count notification telegram first transmitted to CU 3 becomes 250 count data, and thereafter the count notification is transmitted to CU 3 every 0.3 seconds. The number of counting balls included in the electronic message is the counting data of 250 balls. That is, when the player continuously operates the counting button, the counting data for 250 balls is transmitted to the CU 3 every 0.3 seconds.

  The CU 3 receives the count information from the P platform 2, adds the counted ball number to the held ball number, and updates the held ball number = 100 + 250 = 350. The CU 3 receives the lending information including the lending notice message in the P stand 2 within the valid reception period (see FIG. 10) after receiving the count information from the P stand 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. Send. The message of the lending notification includes information on lending serial number = k and number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits the lending response information including the lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time (see FIG. 10). The message of the lending receipt result response includes lending serial number = k and lending ball number receiving result = normal information.

  The P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the specified period A (see FIG. 10) has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of updated serial number = n + 1 and the number of subtracted game balls = 750, and if the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the message includes the n + 1 information and the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included.

  When the player 2 continues to press the counting button 28 when transmitting new gaming machine information to the CU 3, the P table 2 updates the counting sequence number = m + 1, counting ball number = 250 updated to the counting notification message. The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information of the counted cumulative number of balls = 500. When the P-unit transmits a count notification message including information on the number of counted balls = 250 to the CU3, the number of gaming balls = 500 is subtracted from the information on the number of held game balls = 750. Update to information. In addition, the P platform 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous number of accumulated balls = 250, and updates the information to the number of accumulated balls = 500.

  The CU 3 receives the count information from the P platform 2, adds the count ball number to the number of possessed balls, and updates the number of possessed balls = 350 + 250 = 600. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the lending notification message to the P table 2 within the valid reception period after receiving the count information from the P table 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the lending notification includes information on the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the lending ball number receiving result = normal information.

  In the sequence shown in FIG. 20, if the player stops pressing the count button 28 before transmitting new gaming machine information to CU 3, the P table 2 counts from the timing when the next gaming machine information is transmitted to CU 3. Do not do. Specifically, when the P table 2 transmits new gaming machine information to the CU 3, the player has stopped pressing the counting button 28, so the counting sequence number updated to the counting notification message = m + 2, counting ball The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information of the number = 0 and the count cumulative ball number = 500.

  In other words, the P platform does not count and sends a count notification message including information on the number of counted balls = 0 to the CU3, and keeps the information on the number of gaming balls = 500 as it is. Do not update. In addition, the P platform 2 does not update the information while keeping the information on the counted cumulative number of balls as the information of the previous counted cumulative number of balls = 500.

  Even if the CU3 receives the counting information from the P platform 2, the number of held balls = 600 is not updated because the number of counting balls = 0. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the lending notification message to the P table 2 within the valid reception period after receiving the count information from the P table 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the lending notification includes the updated lending serial number = k + 2 and the number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes the updated lending serial number = k + 2, and the lending ball number receiving result = normal information. The P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the specified period A has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3.

<Recovery sequence when PIF is disconnected>
Next, a recovery sequence when the PIF is disconnected will be described. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are diagrams showing a recovery sequence when the PIF is disconnected between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. 21 and 22, the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL described in FIG. 13 is changed from 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL = OFF), or the connection confirmation signal PSI is turned off (PSI = OFF). A case where a PIF disconnection is detected by changing will be described as an example. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 15-19, you may detect a PIF disconnection by another method.

  First, the P machines transmit gaming machine information including a message of hall control / injustice monitoring information notification to the CU 3. Note that the hallcon / illegal monitoring information notification includes information of serial number = n and number of game balls = 1000. The P units transmit the counting information including the count notification message to the CU 3 within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3.

  Since the player has not pressed the count button 28 by the time the count information is transmitted to the CU 3, the count notification number is “m”, the count ball count = 0, and the count cumulative ball count = 0. The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information.

  The CU 3 receives the lending information including the lending notice message in the P stand 2 within the valid reception period (see FIG. 10) after receiving the count information from the P stand 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. Send. The message of the lending notification includes information on lending serial number = k and number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits the lending response information including the lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time (see FIG. 10). The message of the lending receipt result response includes lending serial number = k and lending ball number receiving result = normal information.

  The P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the specified period A (see FIG. 10) has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification message of new gaming machine information to be transmitted to CU3 includes information of updated serial number = n + 1 and number of game balls = 1000.

  After that, when a PIF disconnection occurs, the P base 2 has a connection confirmation power supply VL voltage of 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL = OFF), or the connection confirmation signal PSI output is off (PSI = OFF). ) Detects a PIF disconnection based on the change to), and stops the launch of the game ball. When the CU3 detects a PIF disconnection, it displays an error and then turns off the connection confirmation power supply VL supplied to the wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5 (VL = OFF).

  Here, a connection configuration between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining a connection configuration between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. The connection between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 is connected by PIF wiring as shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the wiring for connecting the power supply VL for connection confirmation (wiring numbers 8 and 9 shown in FIG. 5) and the wiring for the insulating GND (wiring number 1 shown in FIG. 5) are connected as wirings for connecting the CU 3 and the P stand 2. ), Lending information wiring (wiring number 7 shown in FIG. 5), and lending receipt results, counting information, and gaming machine information wiring (wiring number 6 shown in FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 23, the CU 3 and the P base 2 are connected by the wiring of the power source VL for connection confirmation, and a voltage of 5 V is supplied from the on-board power source 3a of the CU 3. In the P stand 2, the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is connected to photocouplers 36 a and 36 b provided on the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 36. In the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 36, in addition to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation, wiring for communicating lending information is connected to the photocoupler 36c, and wiring for communicating lending response information, counting information, and gaming machine information is photo. Each is connected to a coupler 36d. Since the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are connected by PIF wiring using a photocoupler, they can communicate information but are electrically insulated. In CU3, wiring for communicating lending information is connected to the photocoupler 3c, and wiring for communicating lending response information, counting information, and gaming machine information is connected to the photocoupler 3d.

  The photocoupler 36 b is connected to a NOR circuit 17 a provided on the frame control board 17. When a 5V voltage is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation and the photocoupler 36b is in the ON state, the 5V voltage of the gaming machine flows to the GND of the gaming machine via the photocoupler 36b on the frame control board 17. Therefore, the input of the NOR circuit 17a (the signal from the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 36) becomes the Low level. On the other hand, the firing stop signal is supplied from the main control board to the NOR circuit 17a. However, when the firing is permitted, the firing stop signal is at the low level. Therefore, the firing permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the firing control board 31 is at the high level. Game balls can be launched.

  When the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and the supplied voltage becomes 0V, the photocoupler 36b is turned off, and the 5V voltage of the gaming machine does not flow to the photocoupler 36b side in the frame control board 17, and the NOR circuit The input of 17a (signal from the lending device connection terminal board 36 such as a game ball) becomes High level. Therefore, the launch permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the launch control board 31 becomes the Low level, and the launch of the game ball is stopped. Even if the firing stop signal supplied from the main control board to the NOR circuit 17a becomes High level, the firing permission signal output from the NOR circuit 17a to the firing control board 31 becomes Low level, and the game ball is fired. Is stopped.

  When the 5V voltage is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation and the photocoupler 36a is in the ON state, the 5V voltage of the gaming machine is used as the 5V voltage of the counting switch via the photocoupler 36a. It is supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the substrate 37. Therefore, the count switch signal can be supplied from the photocoupler 37a to the frame control board 17 while the voltage of 5V is supplied to the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation. When the player operates the counting button 28, the counting switch signal supplied to the frame control board 17 is supplied by including information on the number of counting balls.

  On the other hand, when the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and the supplied voltage becomes 0V, the photocoupler 36a is turned off, and the 5V voltage of the gaming machine becomes the 5V voltage of the counting switch via the photocoupler 36a. Is not supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the counting switch board 37. For this reason, when the wiring of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is cut and communication is abnormal, the count switch signal is not supplied from the photocoupler 37a to the frame control board 17. That is, when the communication failure occurs because the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected, the player's operation on the counting button 28 becomes invalid.

  Returning to the recovery sequence at the time of the PIF disconnection shown in FIG. 21, even if a PIF disconnection occurs, the P units send the count information including the count notification message within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU3. Send to. However, if a PIF disconnection has occurred, as described with reference to FIG. 23, the count button becomes invalid even if the player presses the count button 28, so the information on the number of counting balls of 0 is notified to the CU3. . That is, the P platform notifies the counting information to the CU 3 including the information of the counting sequence number = m + 1, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting cumulative ball number = 0 updated in the counting notification message. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the count information transmitted from the P units does not reach CU3. Therefore, the CU 3 does not transmit the lending information to the P unit 2 because it has not received the counting information from the P unit 2.

  Even if the lending information is not transmitted from the CU 3, the P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The hallcon / illegal monitoring information notification message of new gaming machine information to be transmitted to CU3 includes the updated serial number = n + 2 and number of game balls = 1000. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the gaming machine information transmitted from the P machines does not reach the CU3.

  Further, the P units transmit the counting information including the count notification message to the CU 3 within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3. The P units notify the CU 3 of the counting information including the information of the counting sequence number = m + 2, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting cumulative ball number = 0 updated in the counting notification message. However, since the PIF disconnection has occurred, the count information transmitted from the P units does not reach CU3.

  Thereafter, the connection of the PIF wiring is restored as shown in FIG. When the connection of PIF wiring is restored, the CU3 side uses the information of the accumulated cumulative number of balls and the information of the number of game balls after restoration or the information about the number of game balls that has not been successfully received by the CU3 during the PIF disconnection It is possible to perform recovery processing. In addition, when CU3 and P stand 2 are normally connected, CU3 notifies the management device that the connection of the PIF wiring has been restored, and the number of game balls is confirmed by the store clerk of the game store. The error is recovered by compensating the number of game balls based on the count information that could not be received. In addition, CU3 can output the information which can specify communication abnormality with respect to a management apparatus.

  After the error is recovered, the power supply VL for connection confirmation is turned on (VL = ON), and the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is 5 V, so that the CU3 can launch a game ball on the P stand 2. . When the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI to the CU3 side also changes to the on state (PSI = ON).

  After the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the P machines transmit the gaming machine information including the hall control / illegal monitoring information notification message to the CU3. The message of the hall control / injustice monitoring information notification includes the updated serial number = n + 3 and the number of game balls = 1000. The P units transmit count information including a count notification message to CU3 within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to CU3.

  Since the player has not pressed the count button 28 by the time the count information is transmitted to the CU3, the count sequence number = m + 3, the count ball count = 0, the count cumulative ball count = The count information is notified to CU3 including 0 information.

  Since the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the CU 3 includes a lending notice message regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed within the valid reception period after receiving the count information from the P stand 2 Information is transmitted to the P stand 2. The message of the lending notification includes information on the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the lending ball number receiving result = normal information.

<Communication abnormality sequence during counting>
Next, a communication abnormality sequence during counting will be described. 24 and 25 are diagrams showing a communication abnormality sequence during counting between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The communication abnormality is not limited to the PIF disconnection, but includes a case where the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 cannot be normally performed for some reason. 24 and 25 show a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting a card return operation.

  In FIG. 24, the number of possessed balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “100”, and the initial number of game balls is “1000”. .

  Here, an example will be described in which counting in units of 250 balls continues while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected. However, even if the number of game balls to be counted increases according to the time for which the count button is pressed and held for a long time, or when the count button is pressed for a certain period of time, all the number of game balls that are held are counted. May be.

  First, the P machines transmit gaming machine information including a message of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification to the CU 3. If the telegram is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of serial number = n and the number of game balls = 1000, and if the telegram is a game machine installation information notification, it includes information of serial number = n, If it is a gaming machine performance information notification, information of serial number = n is included. The P units transmit the counting information including the count notification message to the CU 3 within 100 ms (within the specified period B shown in FIG. 10) after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3.

  Since the player has pressed the count button 28 before transmitting the count information to the CU 3, the P table 2 includes a count serial number = m, a count ball number = 250, and a count cumulative ball number = 250. The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the above information. When the P table 2 transmits a count notification message including information of the number of counted balls = 250 to the CU3, the number of gaming balls = 750 is obtained by subtracting 250 counted from the information of the number of held gaming balls = 1000. Update to information.

  The CU 3 receives the count information from the P platform 2, adds the counted ball number to the held ball number, and updates the held ball number = 100 + 250 = 350. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the lending notification message to the P table 2 within the valid reception period after receiving the count information from the P table 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the lending notification includes information on lending serial number = k and number of lending balls = 0.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes lending serial number = k and lending ball number receiving result = normal information.

  The P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the specified period A has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of updated serial number = n + 1 and the number of subtracted game balls = 750, and if the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the message includes the n + 1 information and the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included.

  When the player 2 transmits new gaming machine information to the CU 3, the player continues to press the counting button 28, so the counting sequence number updated to the counting notification message = m + 1, the number of counting balls = 250 The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information of the counted cumulative number of balls = 500. When the P-unit transmits a count notification message including information on the number of counted balls = 250 to the CU3, the number of gaming balls = 500 is subtracted from the information on the number of held game balls = 750. Update to information. In addition, the P platform 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous number of accumulated balls = 250, and updates the information to the number of accumulated balls = 500.

  However, the count information transmitted from the P stand 2 does not reach the CU 3 due to a communication error, and the CU 3 has not received the count information from the P stand 2, so the count ball number is set as the number of possessed balls. Do not add and keep the number of balls held = 350. The CU 3 transmits lending information including a lending notice message to the P stand 2 regardless of whether or not the ball lending button 321 is pressed. The message of the lending notification includes information on the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the number of lending balls = 0. Since the CU 3 has not received the counting information from the P table 2, the CU 3 may not transmit the lending information including the lending notice message to the P table 2.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and the lending ball number receiving result = normal information. However, the lending information transmitted from the P stand 2 does not reach the CU 3 due to communication abnormality.

  Further, the P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 and the number of subtracted gaming balls = 500 are included. If the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the information includes n + 2 information and the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. However, the gaming machine information transmitted from the P stand 2 does not reach the CU 3 due to communication abnormality.

  When the player P transmits new gaming machine information to the CU 3, the player continues to press the counting button 28, so the counting sequence number updated to the counting notification message = m + 2, the number of counting balls = 250 The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information of the counted cumulative number of balls = 250. When the P-unit transmits a count notification message including information on the number of counted balls = 250 to the CU3, the number of gaming balls = 250 is obtained by subtracting 250 counted from the information on the number of gaming balls = 500 held. Update to information. Further, the P platform 2 adds the information of the current number of balls = 250 to the information of the previous number of accumulated balls = 500, and updates the information to the number of accumulated balls = 750.

  However, the count information transmitted from the P stand 2 does not reach the CU 3 due to a communication error, and the CU 3 has not received the count information from the P stand 2, so the count ball number is set as the number of possessed balls. Do not add and keep the number of balls held = 350. Since CU3 has passed 700 ms after receiving the previous gaming machine information, it is determined that there is a communication abnormality, and after displaying an error, the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL is 5 V to 0 V (OFF state: VL = OFF). Also, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI changes to the off state (PSI = OFF). The P stand 2 detects a communication abnormality (for example, PIF disconnection) based on the fact that the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL is changed from 5 V to 0 V, or the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI is turned off. Stop firing the sphere.

  Further, the P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after the lapse of the specified period A since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of updated serial number = n + 3, subtracted number of gaming balls = 250, and if the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, an updated serial number = If the information includes n + 3 information and the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. However, the gaming machine information transmitted from the P stand 2 does not reach the CU 3 due to communication abnormality.

  The P machine 2 transmits the counting information including the telegram of the count notification to the CU3 within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU3. However, if a communication abnormality has occurred, as described with reference to FIG. 23, the count button becomes invalid even if the player presses the count button 28, so the CU 3 is notified of information about the number of counted balls. . That is, the P platform notifies the CU 3 of the count information including the information of the count sequence number = m + 3, the count ball number = 0, and the count cumulative ball number = 750 updated in the count notification message. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the count information transmitted from the P units does not reach CU3.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 enters an error recovery waiting state. When the communication abnormality is recovered, the count information that cannot be received normally by the CU 3 during the error is recovered on the CU 3 side after the recovery or by using the information of the cumulative number of counted balls and the information of the number of game balls. Can be done. As a recovery process on the CU3 side, when a message for one count information is missed, the recovery process can be automatically performed based on the serial number of the count information after recovery and the accumulated count value. In this case, a notification that the recovery process has been performed may be made to the hall control or the possession management server. In addition, if two or more messages of the counting information are missed due to the serial number of the counting information after recovery, an error is notified to the hall control or possession management server, and the recovery processing is automatically performed on the CU3 side. Not notify the store clerk of the recovery response. Further, in the CU3, even if the clerk holds the count information reception history (individual count value and accumulated count value) and the recovery process history on the CU3 side so that the store clerk can confirm the recovery process later. Good. Of course, the reception history of the count information and the recovery processing history may be held and managed by the hall control or the possession management server. In addition, when the error is recovered, the CU 3 notifies the management device that the error has been recovered, the number of game balls and the number of possessed balls are confirmed by the store clerk of the game store, and the game ball based on the count information that could not be received normally Compensate the number and the number of balls to recover the error. In addition, CU3 can output the information which can specify communication abnormality with respect to a management apparatus.

  After the error is recovered, the power supply VL for connection confirmation is turned on (VL = ON), and the voltage of the power supply VL for connection confirmation is 5 V, so that the CU3 can launch a game ball on the P stand 2. . When the connection of the PIF wiring is restored, the output of the connection confirmation signal PSI to the CU3 side also changes to the on state (PSI = ON).

<Communication abnormality sequence during lending>
Next, a communication abnormality sequence at the time of lending will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a communication abnormality sequence at the time of lending between the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. The communication abnormality is not limited to the PIF disconnection, but includes a case where the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 cannot be normally performed for some reason. The initial number of game balls is “50”.

  First, the P machines transmit gaming machine information including a message of hall control / injustice monitoring information notification to the CU 3. Note that the hallcon / illegal monitoring information notification includes information of serial number = n and number of game balls = 50. The P units transmit count information including a count notification message to CU3 within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to CU3.

  Since the player has not pressed the count button 28 by the time the count information is transmitted to the CU 3, the count notification number is “m”, the count ball count = 0, and the count cumulative ball count = 0. The count information is notified to the CU 3 including the information. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the lending notice message to the P table 2 within the reception valid period (for example, 170 ms) after receiving the count information from the P table 2. Since the player presses the ball lending button 321, the CU 3 notifies the P-unit 2 of lending by including information on lending serial number = k and lending ball number = 125 in the lending notification message. The CU 3 transmits information on the number of balls lent to the P platform 2 in the range of 1 ball to 255 balls depending on the lending unit price and the lending amount.

  However, the loan information transmitted from CU3 has not arrived at P stand 2 due to a communication error, and P stand 2 receives the loan within the response time (for example, 10 ms) because the loan information from CU 3 has not been received. The lending response information including the result response message is not transmitted to CU3. For this reason, the CU 3 determines that the lending process has not been completed because the message of the lending receipt result response has not been received within the response time.

  The P machine 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after a predetermined period A (for example, 300 ms) has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, it includes information of updated serial number = n + 1 and the number of gaming balls = 50, and if the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1. Information, and if the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 1 information is included. Further, the P units transmit the counting information including the count notification message to the CU 3 within 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information to the CU 3.

  Since the player has not pressed the count button 28 by the time the count information is transmitted to the CU3, the count sequence number updated to the count notification message = m + 1, the count ball count = 0, the count cumulative ball count = The count information is notified to CU3 including 0 information. The CU 3 transmits the lending information including the lending notice message to the P table 2 within the reception valid period (for example, 170 ms) after receiving the count information from the P table 2. Since the player has not pressed the ball lending button 321, the CU 3 notifies the P-unit 2 of lending including the updated lending serial number = k + 1 and lending ball number = 0 information in the lending notification message. Note that whether or not the CU 3 retransmits the lending notification message for the lending process that has not been completed depends on the specifications of the CU 3. When the CU 3 is used for retransmission, the CU 3 determines the completion of the lending process based on information on the lending serial number and the lending ball number receiving result included in the lending receipt result response message. That is, the CU 3 determines whether or not the lending process is completed depending on whether or not the transmitted lending sequence number matches the lending sequence number received from the P platform 2 and whether the lending ball number reception result is normal or abnormal.

  The P platform 2 receives the lending information from the CU 3 and transmits lending response information including a lending receipt result response message to the CU 3 within the response time. The message of the lending receipt result response includes lending serial number = k and lending ball number receiving result = abnormal information. The frame control board 17 of the P unit 2 checks the continuity of the loan serial number of the loan serial number = k + 1 included in the loan notification message received from the CU 3 and the loan serial number = k included in the loan reception result response message. If it is not continuous, the CU 3 is notified of the result of receiving the rented ball number as abnormal.

  When the lending process is not completed, the P stand 2 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 after a predetermined period A (for example, 300 ms) has elapsed since the previous gaming machine information was transmitted to the CU 3. The new gaming machine information to be transmitted to the CU 3 includes a telegram of hall control / illegal monitoring information notification, gaming machine installation information notification, or gaming machine performance information notification. If the message is a hallcon / injustice monitoring information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 and the number of game balls = 50 are included, and if the message is a gaming machine installation information notification, the updated serial number = If the information includes n + 2 information and the message is a gaming machine performance information notification, the updated serial number = n + 2 information is included. Even though the player presses the ball lending button 321, the initial number of game balls remains “50”.

<Launch mechanism>
Next, the firing mechanism 30 will be described in more detail. 27A is a front view of the firing mechanism 30, FIG. 27B is a right side view of the firing mechanism 30, and FIG. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the ball path of the launch mechanism 30 is filled with game balls. FIG. 29 is a block diagram for explaining the launch of the game medium and the subtraction of the number of game balls.

  Referring to FIG. 27, firing mechanism 30 mainly has firing solenoid 31 a, spear 42, launch pad 43, and valve 44. A subtraction mechanism 32 is provided in the vicinity (back side) of the launch mechanism 30. The subtraction mechanism 32 mainly has a subtraction solenoid 32a, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, and a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c.

  When the launching solenoid 30 can be energized to the launching solenoid 31a by the launching permission signal to the launching control board 31 and each state of the hitting ball operating handle 25 accompanying the direct operation of the player, the launching mechanism 30 plays the game ball p. Fire on board 26. Further, when the firing solenoid 31a is activated, an interlocking subtraction reference signal is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. The subtraction reference signal is a reference for energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a in the subtraction mechanism 32.

  In FIG. 23, when the firing stop signal supplied from the main control board is at the low level and the signal from the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 36 is at the low level, the NOR circuit 17 a The configuration for outputting a high level launch permission signal permitting the launch of a game ball has been described. However, the configuration for outputting the launch permission signal to the launch control board 31 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 23. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the CU 3 is connected to the gaming device lending device connection terminal board, When a firing permission signal is output from the main control board 16, the AND circuit 172 outputs a firing permission signal permitting the launch of the game ball to the firing control board 31, and the launch solenoid 31a can be energized. It may be configured. FIG. 30 is a block diagram for explaining processing in the launching mechanism. As shown in FIG. 30, the AND circuit 172 provided on the frame control board 17 permits the launch control board 31 to launch when the connection state of the CU 3 and the launch permission signal are input from the main control board 16. Output a signal. When the firing permission signal is not output, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of the state of the hitting operation handle 25. The main control board 16 stops outputting the firing permission signal when receiving a specific error signal from the frame control board 17.

  Here, an operation principle and each state of the hitting operation handle 25 will be described. Although not shown, the hitting operation handle 25 includes a firing stop button, a firing stop switch, a handle lever, a touch sensor, a handle volume, a ring, and the like. When the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the activation and stop of the firing solenoid 31a and the firing strength can be changed. In addition, when the launch stop button is operated, game balls can be launched one by one.

  When the player touches the ring of the hitting operation handle 25, the touch sensor connected to the ring outputs a detection signal to the launch control board 31 as shown in FIG. When the firing control board 31 detects this signal, the firing solenoid 31a can be energized on condition that the firing permission signal is output. When the player does not touch the ring of the hitting operation handle 25 directly, the energization of the firing solenoid 31a is impossible regardless of the state of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player. Note that when the player stops pressing the firing stop button and the firing stop switch is in the open state, the firing solenoid 31a can be energized.

  When the player turns the handle lever of the hitting operation handle 25, the detected voltage of the handle volume changes, and the strength of the energization current to the firing solenoid 31a can be changed according to the turning angle. In FIG. 30, the operation condition determination unit 31b outputs an operation permission signal to the pulse / clock generation unit 31c based on a firing permission signal, a touch sensor detection signal, a rotation detection signal from the handle volume, and the like. The pulse / clock generation unit 31c generates various pulses and clocks of the firing control board 31 based on the operation permission signal from the operation condition determination unit 31b. By generating various pulses and clocks in the pulse / clock generation unit 31c, the constant current control unit 31d causes the firing solenoid based on the detection value from the handle rotation value detection unit 31e according to the angle turned by the handle volume. The energization current to 31a is controlled. As a result, the flight distance of the game ball p changes, and the player can launch the game ball p at any position on the game board 26.

  When the handle lever is in the origin position state and the detected voltage is equal to or lower than the set voltage, the firing solenoid 31a cannot be energized regardless of the state of the handle. In the handle rotation value comparison unit 31f shown in FIG. 30, when the detected voltage is equal to or lower than the set voltage, the rotation detection signal is not output to the operation condition determination unit 31b.

  When the firing solenoid 31a is driven, the spear 42 moves in the direction of the game ball p, and fires the game ball p stopped on the launch pad 43. The launched game ball p passes through the valve 44 and is launched onto the game board 26. The valve 44 returns to the home position after the game ball p has passed. Therefore, the valve 44 prevents the launched game ball p from returning to the launch pad 43.

  When the firing solenoid 31a is actuated, an interlocking subtraction reference signal is output from the firing control board 31 to the frame control board 17 as shown in FIG. In the frame control board 17, the CPU of the frame control unit 171 processes the subtraction reference signal by the game ball number management program in the user program area (use area). The subtraction solenoid control unit 32d controls the subtraction solenoid 32a of the subtraction mechanism 32 by the game ball number management program. The subtraction mechanism 32 converts the game ball p recorded by an electromagnetic method into a real ball by energizing the subtraction solenoid 32a and moving the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 30. When the game ball p passes the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b, the number of game balls is subtracted and displayed on the game ball number display 29.

  Next, details of the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 will be described. First, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has the game ball p, the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c does not have the game ball p, and there is a number of game balls, the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is output. The solenoid 32a is energized. When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p moves to the cutout portion of the movable piece 45. When the energization of the subtraction solenoid 32a is released in a state where the game ball p is sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45, the movable piece 45 moves to the position shown in FIG. When the movable piece 45 moves to the position, the game ball p sandwiched between the notches of the movable piece 45 is sent out to the launch pad 43 of the launch mechanism 30.

  When the subtraction solenoid 32a is energized and the game ball p moves to the notch of the movable piece, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects the passage of one game ball. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32 b is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17, and the number of game balls is subtracted by one and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 29 is displayed.

  When the energization to the subtraction solenoid 32a is stopped, the game ball p sent to the launching mechanism is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. The detection signal of the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32 c is processed by the game ball number management program of the frame control board 17.

  Next, processing in the firing mechanism and the subtraction mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining the processing in the launch mechanism 30 and the operation of the hitting operation handle 25. The state (i) shown in FIG. 31 is a state in which the CU 3 is connected and the launch permission signal is changed from off to on from the main control board 16, and the game ball p can be launched.

  When the player holds the hitting operation handle 25 to play a game, the player directly touches the ring of the hitting operation handle 25, and the detection signal of the touch sensor changes from OFF to ON (see FIG. (State (ii) shown in FIG. 31).

  When the player turns the hitting operation handle 25 clockwise to play a game, the detected voltage of the handle volume of the hitting operation handle 25 changes from weak to strong and exceeds the set voltage (see FIG. 31). State shown in (iii)).

  The firing stop switch of the hitting operation handle 25 is in an OFF state (state (iv) shown in FIG. 31). When the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the firing mechanism 30 turns on the firing solenoid 31a after 37.5 ms from the state (iv).

  The firing mechanism 30 turns on the firing solenoid 31a for 16 ms and outputs a subtraction reference signal from the firing control board 31 for 37.5 ms with an energization current corresponding to the angle of the hitting operation handle 25 (see FIG. 31). State (v) shown).

  When the firing mechanism 30 satisfies the conditions (i) to (iv) 562.5 ms after the firing solenoid 31a is turned on, the firing solenoid 31a is turned on for 16 ms after 37.5 ms, and the firing control is performed. A subtraction reference signal is output from the substrate 31 for 37.5 ms (state (vi) shown in FIG. 31). As long as the firing mechanism 30 satisfies the conditions (i) to (iv), the firing solenoid 31a is turned on at a period of about 600 ms thereafter. Note that the firing solenoid 31a is turned on in accordance with the cycle in which the firing reference signal is turned on.

  When the firing mechanism 30 does not satisfy the conditions (i) to (iv) 562.5 ms after the firing solenoid 31 a is turned on, the firing mechanism 30 does not output the subtraction reference signal from the firing control board 31. The subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without being turned on. Since there is space for 3 game balls in the ball passage from the subtraction mechanism 32 to the basket 42, even if a ball is clogged in the ball passage, the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped and only the launch solenoid 31a is stopped. By turning it on three times, the packed game ball p can be discharged. Therefore, when the subtraction mechanism 32 is stopped without satisfying the states (i) to (iv), only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on three times as shown in FIG. 31 for the purpose of preventing clogging. The number of times that only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on is set to a minimum of three times, but the number may be changed according to the length of the ball passage and the firing conditions. Thereafter, when the states (i) to (iv) are satisfied, the launch mechanism 30 returns to the state (v) shown in FIG. 31 and launches the game ball p. Even when the firing solenoid 31a is turned on three times, even if the ball clogging has not been eliminated, only the firing solenoid 31a is turned on every 0.6 seconds in accordance with the operation of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player. It is good also as a state.

  Next, FIG. 32 is a timing chart for explaining operations of the subtraction mechanism 32 and the game ball number display 29. First, when the states (i) to (iv) shown in FIG. 31 are satisfied and the firing solenoid 31a of the firing mechanism 30 is turned on, a subtraction reference signal is output from the firing control board 31 for 37.5 ms (FIG. 32). (State of (i) shown in FIG.

  The subtraction mechanism 32 sets the subtraction solenoid 32a for 75 ms on condition that the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is off and the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is off at 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is turned on. The device is turned on (state (ii) shown in FIG. 32).

  The subtraction mechanism 32 drives the movable piece 45 shown in FIG. 28 by turning on the subtraction solenoid 32 a to move the game ball p stopped before the movable piece 45. When the game ball p moves, the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is turned on (state (iii) shown in FIG. 32).

  In the subtraction mechanism 32, the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is continuously turned on for 10 ms or more from the time when the subtraction solenoid 32a is turned off to the time when the firing solenoid 31a is turned on to detect the game ball p. If you do, subtract the number of game balls you have. Then, the game ball number display unit 29 subtracts one from the display of the X game balls and changes the display to the display of the game ball number of X−1 (state (iv) shown in FIG. 32).

  When the subtraction solenoid 32a is turned off, the game ball p moves to the position of the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c and the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is turned on (state (v) shown in FIG. 32). As long as the firing mechanism 30 satisfies the conditions (i) to (v) shown in FIG. 31, the subtraction mechanism 32 thereafter turns on the firing solenoid 31a with a period of about 600 ms, and the number of game balls is subtracted. repeat.

  Next, FIG. 33 is a timing chart for explaining the operation when the clogging is detected by the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c. First, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the on state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is in the on state (see FIG. 33). (State of (i) shown). In this case, the frame control board 17 does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a.

  When the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is turned off, the frame control board 17 determines that the ball clogging has been eliminated, and turns the firing solenoid 31a on twice to return to the normal state (see FIG. 33). State shown in (ii)).

  In the operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 and the game ball number display 29, processing for detecting an abnormality of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a process of detecting a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor abnormality. First, the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction reference signal is on (step S101). If the subtraction reference signal is not in the on state (NO in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 returns to step S101 because the subtraction mechanism 32 is in a wait state for subtraction processing.

  When the subtraction reference signal is in the on state (YES in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether 16 ms has elapsed after the subtraction reference signal is on (step S102). If the ON state of the subtraction reference signal has not elapsed for 16 ms (NO in step S101), the subtraction mechanism 32 waits for the elapse of the period, and thus returns the process to step S101.

  When the on state of the subtraction reference signal has elapsed for 16 ms (YES in step S102), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the front ornament opening switch 12 is off and the front ornament is closed (step S103). If the front decoration is not closed (NO in step S103), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that the game is not in progress and returns the process to step S101.

  If the front decoration is closed (YES in step S103), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the number of game balls owned is other than 0 (zero) balls (step S104). When the number of game balls is 0 (zero) (NO in step S104), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that there is no game and returns the process to step S101.

  If the number of game balls is other than 0 (zero) (YES in step S104), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in an off state (step S105). If the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is not in the off state (ON state) (NO in step S105), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that there is no game ball at the inlet and does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a, and the process proceeds to step S101. return.

  When the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is in the off state (YES in step S105), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the off state (step S106). If the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is not in the OFF state (ON state) (NO in step S106), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that a ball clogging has occurred and does not turn on the subtraction solenoid 32a, and performs the process in step S101. Return to.

  When the subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c is in the off state (YES in step S106), the subtraction mechanism 32 turns on the subtraction solenoid 32a for 75 ms (step S107). Further, the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether or not the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has been turned on for 10 ms or longer (step S108). When the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b is on for 10 ms or longer (YES in step S108), the subtraction mechanism 32 subtracts the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of game balls to the game ball number display 29. It is displayed (step S109).

  If the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has not been turned on for 10 ms or longer (NO in step S108), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines whether 600 ms has elapsed since the subtraction solenoid 32a started to turn on ( Step S110). If 600 ms has not elapsed since the on-state of the subtraction solenoid 32a was started (NO in step S110), the subtraction mechanism 32 returns the process to step S108. If 600 ms has passed since the subtraction solenoid 32a was turned on (YES in step S110), the subtraction mechanism 32 determines that an abnormality of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b has occurred (step S111). The subtraction mechanism 32 determines that the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is abnormal when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b does not turn on for 10 ms or more within 600 ms from the start of the ON state of the subtraction solenoid 32a. Also good.

  The P platform 2 includes a launching mechanism 30 that launches the game ball p, a subtraction mechanism 32 (particularly, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that transports the game ball p to the launching mechanism 30, and a game ball p in the launching mechanism 30. The firing control board 31 that generates a subtraction reference signal corresponding to the launching operation of and the number of game balls (game points) is managed, and the subtraction mechanism 32 performs the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal, And a frame control board 17 for subtracting the number of game balls based on the subtraction reference signal. Thereby, an appropriate subtraction process of the number of game balls can be realized corresponding to the launching operation of the launching mechanism 30.

  Conventionally, a launch detection signal indicating that a game ball has been launched is input from the launching unit to the frame control board, and the frame control board that has received the launch detection signal subtracts a ball from the detection of one firing ball. The number and the number of in-game balls are added and updated, and the number of game balls is updated by one. That is, the subtraction of the number of game balls due to the launch of the game balls and the transport of the game balls are individually performed. For this reason, when a problem relating to the transport of a game ball occurs, such as detecting a foul ball with a foul ball detection switch, the frame control board needs to add and return the number of game balls once subtracted.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the subtraction reference signal corresponding to the launching operation of the game ball p in the launch mechanism 30 is generated, and the subtraction mechanism 32 performs the transport operation of the game ball p based on the subtraction reference signal. Thus, since the number of game balls is subtracted, the number of game balls is not subtracted even if a problem relating to the transport of game balls occurs. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the number of game balls can be appropriately subtracted corresponding to the launch of the game ball p in the launch mechanism 30. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the foul sphere detection switch itself for detecting the foul sphere is not necessary, and the processing relating to the detection of the foul sphere can be omitted.

  Based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31, the frame control board 17 executes the subtraction process of the managed game points. Specifically, the frame control board 17 subtracts one from the number of X game balls based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal and causes the game ball number display 29 to display the number of game balls of X-1. . Thereby, the frame control board 17 can implement | achieve the suitable subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the discharge operation of the discharge mechanism 30. FIG.

  The frame control board 17 causes the subtraction mechanism 32 to carry the game ball p based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 carries the game ball p by driving the movable piece 45 by controlling the subtraction solenoid 32a based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal. Thereby, the frame control board 17 can implement | achieve the conveyance of the suitable game ball p corresponding to the discharge operation of the discharge mechanism 30. FIG.

  After receiving the subtraction reference signal from the firing control board 31, the frame control board 17 executes a subtraction process of the managed game points based on the detection of the game ball p by the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b. . Specifically, when the game ball p is transported based on the reception of the subtraction reference signal, the frame control board 17 turns on the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b and detects the game ball p. By subtracting one from the number of balls, the number of game balls of X-1 is displayed on the game ball number display 29. Thereby, the frame control board 17 can implement | achieve the suitable subtraction process of the number of game balls corresponding to the discharge operation of the discharge mechanism 30, and the operation | movement of a conveyance mechanism (for example, movable piece 45).

  The frame control board 17 can determine the transport error of the game ball p based on the detection state of the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c within a predetermined period after receiving the subtraction reference signal from the launch control board 31. Specifically, the frame control board 17 determines that ball clogging has occurred when the subtraction mechanism exit sensor 32c is in the on state 16 ms after the subtraction reference signal is in the on state. Thereby, the malfunction of the subtraction mechanism 32 including the subtraction solenoid 32a and the movable piece 45 can be detected.

  The main control board 16 executes a firing stop process based on the reception of a predetermined signal for notifying that a special event has occurred from the frame control board 17. Specifically, when the main control board 16 receives a specific error signal (a predetermined signal for notifying that a special event has occurred) from the frame control board 17, the main control board 16 stops outputting the firing permission signal. Thereby, the launching operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of the special event detected by the frame control board 17.

<Notification processing for abnormalities occurring in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected. Referring to FIG. 35, when an abnormality occurs in CU control unit 323, communication control IC 325, frame control unit 171, or main control board 16, notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. For the abnormality mentioned here, the CU control unit 323, the communication control IC 325, the frame control unit 171, or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunction or failure occurs due to noise or the like. Various error states, such as a case where an error occurs or an offline state due to disconnection or the like, is included. The machine history management server 800 shown in FIG. 35 manages the ID information written in the P unit 2 by the manufacturer of the P unit 2 or the chip supplier, and the ID information written in the CU 3 by the equipment manufacturer. Is to do.

  First, when an abnormality occurs in the communication control IC 325 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the abnormality. When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the communication control IC 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the CU3. The CU control unit 323 controls the display 312 to display that an abnormality has occurred, and causes the display control unit 350 to perform an abnormality notification by turning on or blinking an abnormality notification lamp (not shown). Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the external communication unit to the hall management computer.

  When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the occurrence of an abnormality and notifies the hall server 801 of a signal (abnormality notification signal) indicating that fact. When the frame control unit 171 detects an abnormality in the frame control unit 171, it notifies the CU control unit 323 via the communication control IC 325, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 accordingly. The communication control IC 325 is connected to the frame control unit 171 using a parallel signal via a PIF circuit that is a parallel interface circuit.

  When an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the frame control unit 171 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating the occurrence, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 accordingly. . Of course, when an abnormality occurs in the main control board 16, the main control board 16 detects the occurrence of the abnormality, notifies the CU control unit 323 of a signal indicating that, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect. You may be notified.

  The gaming machine management server 802 shown in FIG. 35 is provided, for example, in an organization that manages gaming machines managed by an organization to which a plurality of gaming machine manufacturers belong, and the gaming machines installed in the gaming hall are different from the design values. It is a server that manages gaming machines by confirming whether or not it is in an abnormal state. The gaming machine management server 802 may be provided in another organization. The gaming machine management server 802 can communicate with the hall server 801, the CU 3 and the P stand 2.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine management server 802 is associated with information identifying each gaming machine such as a main chip ID, and a gaming machine design for determining the gaming machine model name and gaming machine abnormality. Store the value.

<Operation after detecting errors and fraud on P units>
Next, the operation after the error and fraud detection of the P stand 2 will be described. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining types of error and fraud detection that can be notified. In FIG. 36, 26 types of errors are described, and “error code”, “error name”, “error and fraud detection contents”, and “operation after error and fraud detection” are described for each error. Yes.

  For example, for the error of No. 3, the “error code” is “F06”, the “error name” is “communication error in managed gaming machine”, and the “error detection content” is “communication between the managed gaming machine gaming board and the managed gaming machine frame” “No response or no connection detected”, “operation after error and fraud detection” detects an abnormality in the gaming machine frame 5, and the game ball number display 29 on the gaming machine frame 5 side and the sound output on the gaming board 26 side (First audio output means), LCD production, and notification are made with electrical decoration, and error information is output to the hall control.

  Here, when notifying with the gaming machine frame 5, in addition to displaying the “error code” on the display device such as the game ball number display 29 (for example, the variable display device 278) and informing the frame control board 17. You may alert | report by displaying an "error code" on the provided 7 segment type LED display. Instead of displaying the “error code”, the game may be stopped to notify the error, or the error information may be output to the outside.

  Further, for example, the error of No. 23 does not start even if the “error code” is “F97”, the “error name” is “main control board start error”, and the “error detection content” is “the main control board has passed a specified period. ”And“ operation after error and fraud detection ”detects anomalies on the game board 26, notifies the sound output on the game board 26 side, LCD production, and illumination, stops the firing, Error information is output to the computer.

  The notification means may notify the error by outputting a sound on the game board or lighting an electrical decoration depending on the type of error. The notification means may notify the error by outputting error information output or illegal information output to the hall control depending on the type of error.

  Next, the plurality of errors shown in FIG. 36 will be described in more detail. FIG. 37 is a block diagram for explaining errors and fraud detection that occur in the gaming machine frame 5 and the gaming board 26. First, in the gaming machine frame 5, when no communication response is detected between the dedicated unit (CU3) and the management gaming machine frame (game machine frame 5), the frame control board 17 determines that the dedicated unit communication no response (error code = F05). ) Error notification. Specifically, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 when detecting an error of no response to the dedicated unit communication, and the counting process does not function even if the counting button 28 is operated. Then, the counting is stopped, and a dedicated unit communication non-response signal is output to the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. The main control board 16 detects a dedicated unit communication non-response signal transmitted from the frame control board 17 by the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a, and outputs an audio signal (for example, a game board side speaker) controlled by the effect control board 15 270B), the error is notified by LCD production and electrical decoration. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a firing stop signal (for example, an off signal of a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall control, and the operation of the ball lending button 321 or the replay button 319 becomes invalid in the CU3.

  Next, in the gaming machine frame 5, when the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b detects a clogged ball or when a failure of the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b is detected, the frame control board 17 detects the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor error (error code). = F14) error notification. Specifically, when the error of the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor is detected, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and subtracts from the main control board 16 as shown in FIG. A mechanism inlet sensor abnormality signal is output. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor abnormality signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, a game board side speaker) 270B), the error is notified by LCD production and electrical decoration. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a firing stop signal (for example, an off signal of a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall control.

  Next, in the gaming machine frame 5, when the number of gaming balls exceeds 40,000, the frame control board 17 performs an error notification that the number of gaming balls is over (error code = F23). Specifically, when detecting an error in the number of game balls over, the frame control board 17 displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and, as shown in FIG. A number over signal is output. In the main control board 16, the port signal detection 16b of the user program 16a detects the game ball number over signal transmitted from the frame control board 17, and the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). ), The error is notified by LCD production and electric decoration. The frame control board 17 outputs error information to the hall control.

  Next, in the gaming board 26, when detecting no communication response or no connection between the management gaming machine gaming board and the management gaming machine frame, the main control board 16 detects an error in the management gaming machine communication error (error code = F06). Notification. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the management gaming machine communication abnormality detection 16c, the main control board 16 controls the sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B), The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a firing stop signal (for example, an off signal of a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs error information to the hall control.

  Here, since the gaming machine frame 5 and the game board 26 perform serial communication, errors and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side are notified to the frame control board 17 via the serial communication. . Therefore, the frame control board 17 can grasp the error and fraud detection detected on the main control board 16 side. For example, when a communication abnormality in the management gaming machine (error code = F06) is detected on the main control board 16 side and a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the frame control board 17 side, the frame control board 17 The error detection on the main control board 16 side can be grasped through serial communication. Note that the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of error information with information of a “gaming machine error state” included in a gaming machine information notification command shown in FIG. "Machine machine error status" is information on error code in Bit0 to Bit5, information on whether the error was detected in Bit6, frame control board 17 ("0") or main control board 16 ("1"), Bit 7 includes error information output destination information. When Bit 7 of “game machine error state” is “0”, only error notification (report generation) is performed on the frame control board 17 side. When Bit 7 in the “gaming machine error state” is “1”, error information is output (HC output) to the hall control in addition to error notification (report generation) on the frame control board 17 side. That is, when the error information is notified from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17, the frame control board 17 includes the error information in the gaming machine information (for example, hallcon information) shown in FIG. Send. The CU 3 outputs error information included in the gaming machine information to the hall control through the external output terminal 340.

  For this reason, in the frame control board 17, an error notification of communication abnormality in the management gaming machine performed by the audio output (for example, the gaming board side speaker 270 </ b> B) on the main control board 16 side and the audio output (game machine frame) on the frame control board 17 side The error priority is determined so as to limit the error notification of the gaming ball circulation device abnormality so that the error notification of the gaming ball circulation device abnormality performed by the side speaker 270A) does not overlap. That is, in the frame control board 17, error notification from the game board side speaker 270B has a higher priority, and error notification from the gaming machine frame side speaker 270A is restricted while the error notification is being performed.

  The frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of an error (specific event) that is different from the error (predetermined event) on the main control board 16 side, and the error notification (predetermined notice) is output to the main control board 16 on the audio output (first output). Error notification (specific notification) based on detection of an error (specific event) by the frame control board 17 when not performed by the one voice output means) When the error notification (predetermined notification) is performed by the voice output on the main control board 16 side, the error notification (specific notification) is output by the voice output on the frame control board 17 side. Not done at. For example, when a game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) is detected on the frame control board 17 side, an error notification on the game ball circulation apparatus is performed when no error is notified on the main control board 16 side. However, when the error is being notified on the main control board 16 side, the abnormality of the game ball circulation device is not notified. In this way, by determining the priority of the error to be notified, even when a gaming board 26 of a certain manufacturer is mounted on the gaming machine frame 5, another gaming board 26 of another manufacturer is mounted on the gaming machine frame 5. Even at times, unified error notification can be performed.

  The frame control board 17 can detect the occurrence of a special event that is different from the specific event, and transmits information related to the detection of the special event to the main control board 16 when the occurrence of the special event is detected. For example, unlike an error in which notification is made only on the frame control board 17 side, such as a game ball circulation apparatus abnormality (error code = F17), in the case of an overball game number (error code = F23) in which notification is also made on the main control board 16 side. When the frame control board 17 detects an error (special event), the frame control board 17 transmits information related to the detection of the error (special event) to the main control board 16. Specifically, the frame control board 17 transmits information on detection of the error to the main control board 16 side via serial communication. The main control board 16 uses the sound output (for example, the game board side speaker 270B) controlled by the effect control board 15 based on the reception of the information related to the detection of the error (special event), the LCD effect, and the illumination. An error is notified. By doing in this way, generation | occurrence | production of the error (special event) detected by the frame control board 17 can be alert | reported appropriately.

  In the game board 26, when the front decoration release is detected (the ON state of the front decoration release switch 12 is detected), the main control board 16 performs an error notification of the front decoration release (error code = F64). Specifically, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the front decoration opening switch opening detection 16d as shown in FIG. 37, the sound output (for example, the game board side speaker 270B) controlled by the effect control board 15; The error is notified by LCD production and illumination. Further, the main control board 16 transmits a firing stop signal (for example, an off signal of a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 31 to stop the launch function of the game ball. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall control.

  In the game board 26, when the opening of the back mechanism section is detected (the ON state of the back mechanism section opening switch 13 is detected), the main control board 16 performs an error notification of the opening of the back mechanism section (error code = F65). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the main control board 16 detects the error by the back mechanism section opening switch open detection 16e, the main control board 16 outputs a sound output controlled by the effect control board 15 (for example, the game board side speaker 270B). The error is notified by LCD production and electric decoration. The frame control board 17 also displays an error code on the game ball number display 29 and outputs illegal information to the hall control.

  Here, the back mechanism part opening switch 13 is connected to the backup power supply board 174 and can detect opening even at night when the power is OFF. FIG. 38 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the backup power supply board 174. Since the backup power supply board 174 is connected to the power supply circuit 400, power is supplied from the power supply line DC5V-1 shown in FIG. The backup power supply board 174 has a backup power supply II (5V) 17c. The backup power supply II (5V) 17c is charged with power from the power supply line DC5V-1 via the power generation function charging circuit 174a when the power is turned on, and backed up by the diode circuit 174b with the power selection function when the power is turned off. It is possible to switch to power supply with the power supply board 174.

  Note that the backup power supply board 174 also backs up the power supply for a configuration in which disconnection detection is determined based on the game board connection confirmation signal and clear signal and the detection signal from the back mechanism opening switch 13.

  The frame control board 17 stores a program used for communication control with the main control board 16 in the use area (specific area) of the user program. The frame control board 17 has different detectable events depending on the process executed within the use area of the user program and the process executed outside the use area (outside the specific area). For example, since the game ball number display process is executed in the use area of the user program, an error of over the number of game balls (error code = F23) can be detected in the use area and is outside the use area of the user program. Since the game ball circulation process is being executed, the error of the game ball circulation device abnormality (error code = F17) can be detected outside the use area. Therefore, an error (event) detected by processing executed in the use area of the user program can be transmitted to the main control board 16 by executing a program (in particular, communication processing). As a result, it is possible to execute processing without straddling the use area and outside the use area of the user program.

  The main control board 16 can control the launching operation of the launching mechanism 30 and stops the launching operation of the launching mechanism 30 based on the reception of information related to detection of an error (special event) from the frame control board 17. Thereby, the firing operation can be stopped in response to the occurrence of an error (special event) detected by the frame control board 17.

  When the occurrence of an error (one of a specific event and a special event) is detected, the frame control board 17 displays the number of game balls regardless of the detection status of the error (predetermined event) by the main control board 16 The device 29 may display information (for example, an error code) that can identify the detected error. Thereby, the detected error can be displayed in a identifiable manner regardless of the control state on the game board 26 side.

<Communication between main control board and frame control board>
Next, communication between the main control board 16 (main control section 161) and the frame control board 17 (frame control section 171) provided in the P platform 2 will be described (see FIG. 4). First, a sequence processed between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 when power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

  The communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed by a polling method using the main control board 16 as a primary station, and the polling interval is 100 ms, for example. Note that communication of power-on notification and power-on reception is excluded. When the main control board 16 cannot receive a response for 100 ms after transmitting the notification message, it retransmits the notification message. If the response cannot be received 10 times in succession, the communication line is disconnected. The frame control board 17 disconnects the communication line if it cannot receive the next notification for 1000 ms after receiving the notification message.

  Further, the frame control board 17 transmits a response command to the main control board 16 only when normal data is received. The serial numbers used for transmission / reception are stored in the storage unit for both the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and used for command normality confirmation, power-off recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

  Specifically, the communication sequence will be described. First, when the power is turned on, communication is started between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 after the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 are activated. For starting the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17, for example, a maximum of 10000 ms is set. The communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed in plain text, but encryption communication may be performed.

  First, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of gaming machine installation information after activation. Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information notification command to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number “1”. The frame control board 17 that has received the gaming machine installation information notification command transmits a response of the gaming machine installation information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to “1” without counting up.

  After the main control board 16 notifies the gaming machine installation information to the frame control board 17, the main control board 16 notifies the gaming machine information to the frame control board 17 at a constant period (100 ms). Specifically, the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine information notification command to the frame control board 17 with the communication serial number “2”. The frame control board 17 that has received the gaming machine information notification command transmits a response of the gaming machine information response to the main control board 16 with the communication serial number set to “2” without counting up. Thereafter, when the main control board 16 transmits a command to the frame control board 17, the gaming machine information is notified to the frame control board 17 while counting up the communication sequence number.

  Here, the relationship between the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P stand 2) and the CU 3 will be described. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for explaining communication timing. As shown in FIG. 40, the main control board 16 notifies the frame control board 17 of gaming machine information at a constant period (100 ms). On the other hand, the frame control board 17 transmits the gaming machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle (300 ms) slower than a certain cycle (100 ms) of communication with the main control board 16. Note that the frame control board 17 may transmit the gaming machine information to the CU 3 at a cycle of 200 ms instead of 300 ms.

  That is, it is a communication timing at which communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed three times while communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 is performed once. When the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 has a cycle of 200 ms, the communication between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 is performed while the communication between the frame control board 17 and the CU 3 is performed once. The communication timing to be performed once. Therefore, the frame control board 17 can acquire the information on the gaming machine from the main control board 16 more frequently, so that the change of the gaming machine can be grasped more accurately, and the information on the gaming machine is sent to the CU3 at an appropriate interval. Can be sent to. Even if the communication timing between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 and the communication timing between the frame control board 17 (P base 2) and the CU 3 are the same 300 ms cycle, the timing is different from that in FIG. There may be.

<Command between main control board and frame control board>
Next, commands transmitted and received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17 will be described. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a list of commands transmitted / received between the main control board 16 and the frame control board 17.

  As shown in FIG. 41, commands transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 include a gaming machine installation information notification and a gaming machine information notification. The gaming machine installation information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of gaming machine installation information. The gaming machine information notification command is a command for notifying the frame control board 17 of gaming machine information.

  On the other hand, the response transmitted from the frame control board 17 to the main control board 16 includes a gaming machine installation information response and a gaming machine information response. The response of the gaming machine installation information response is a response for responding to the main control board 16 with the result of receiving the gaming machine installation information. The response of the gaming machine information response is a response for responding to the main control board 16 with the gaming machine information reception result.

<Notice of gaming machine installation information / response of gaming machine installation information>
Next, a gaming machine installation information notification command and a gaming machine installation information response will be described in detail. FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining a gaming machine installation information notification command and a gaming machine installation information response. The game machine installation information notification command shown in FIG. 42A is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of the game machine installation information. "ID number", "main control CPU manufacturer code", "main control CPU model code". When the main control board 16 transmits a gaming machine installation information notification command to the frame control board 17, 1 is notified as the communication serial number. Also, the game machine installation information notification message is always completed in one frame and is not transmitted separately. Further, if the frame control board 17 cannot receive the checksum within 20 ms after receiving the message length of the gaming machine installation information notification, the frame control board 17 cancels the received data so far and receives it again from the message length. The same is done for the following commands and responses.

  The response of the gaming machine installation information response shown in FIG. 42B is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the reception result of the gaming machine installation information notification with respect to the main control board 16. "Reception result" is included. The frame control board 17 responds as it is with the communication sequence number received in the gaming machine installation information notification. However, if the frame control board 17 receives a communication sequence number other than 1, it makes no response.

<Notice of gaming machine information>
Next, the gaming machine information notification command will be described in detail. FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining a command for notifying gaming machine information. The gaming machine information notification command is a command for the main control board 16 to notify the frame control board 17 of gaming machine information (such as hall control information and fraud monitoring information). "Status", "Game machine error status", "Unauthorized detection status", and "Game information". The main control board 16 adds 1 to the communication sequence number when notifying the gaming machine information. Note that the maximum communication serial number is 255, and the count is reset to 1 after 255. Also, when retransmitting a message, 1 is not added (updated) to the communication sequence number.

  The “main control state” is information on the gaming state of the P stand 2 and includes “main control state 1” and “main control state 2”. The “main control state 1” includes information on jackpot 1 (all jackpots), jackpot 2 (specific jackpots), and jackpot 3 (short-term jackpots), and information on gaming machine state signals 1 to 5. The gaming machine state signals 1 to 5 are used to output a state from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3 and correspond to “external terminal state output signals 1 to 5” output from the external output terminal of the CU 3. "Main control state 1" includes information on big hit + short time (variation time reduction), high probability, short time (variation time reduction), and information on gaming machine state signals 6-9. The gaming machine state signals 6 to 9 are used to output a state from the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3 and correspond to “external terminal state output signals 6 to 9” output from the external output terminal of the CU 3.

  The “gaming machine error state” includes information on an error code occurring in the gaming machine. The “fraud detection state” includes information indicating that board frauds 1 to 6 are detected.

  The “game information” includes information for notifying the frame control board 17 of the start opening prize, the big prize opening prize, the number of symbols determined, etc. generated on the main control board 16. The “game information” is composed of a total of 2 bytes of type information (upper 1 byte) and count information (lower 1 byte). The type information includes a data type and a data number, and a data number is set for each data type.

  The type information will be described in more detail. FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining the type information included in the game information. The type information is set for each value of the data type (Bits 4 to 7). For example, when the value of the data type is 1, the start information is information on a winning entry. For each data type, a data number (Bits 0 to 3) is set. For example, if the data number is 1, the start port 1 and the start port number are indicated.

  When the value of the data type is 2, it is notified that a prize is won in the big prize opening. If the data number is 1, the big prize opening 1 and the like are shown. When the value of the data type is 4, the number of symbol fluctuations is notified, and if the data number is 1, the special figure number such as special figure 1 is shown. When the value of the data type is 8, the winning combination opening is notified when the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation, and if the data number is 1, the accessory number such as the accessory 1 is indicated. When the value of the data type is 13, it is instructed to output a pulse from the CU 3, and the data number indicates the terminal of the external output terminal 340 of the CU 3. When the value of the data type is 14, a state necessary for calculation of performance information is notified, and the data number is fixed to 1.

  As the count information, different number of times information is set for each data type. Data type is 1 = start opening prize, 2 = big prize opening prize, 3 = winning prize winning, 9 = start opening prize by actuating action, 10 = big winning prize winning by continuous action, 11 = acting action In the case of winning a prize winning, the count information includes the number of winning balls (upper 4 bits) and the number of winning prizes (lower 4 bits). For example, when two wins are made at the start opening 1 of three prize balls, the data type (Bits 4 to 7) is “1 = start opening 1”, the data number (Bits 0 to 3) is “1 = start opening 1”, and the award. The game information (0x1131) in which the number of balls (Bit 4 to 7) is “3 = 3 prize balls” and the number of winning (Bit 0 to 3) is “1 = 1 prize” is two data.

  When the data type is 4 = the number of symbol determinations, the count information is composed of unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of symbol determinations (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 5 = big hit and 6 = small hit, the count information includes unused (higher 4 bits) and the number of wins (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 7 = gate passage, the count information includes unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of gate passes (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 8 = the number of times of an accessory (the number of times that a big winning opening is opened), the count information includes unused (higher 4 bits) and the number of times of an accessory (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 12 = specific area passing, the count information is composed of unused (higher 4 bits) and specific area passing number (lower 4 bits). When the data type is 13 = pulse count, the count information includes unused (upper 4 bits) and the number of pulse outputs (lower 4 bits).

  When the data type is 14 = performance information status notification, the count information includes unused (upper 4 bits) and a status flag (lower 4 bits). In the status flag (Bits 0 to 3), Bit0 indicates the base state, if Bit0 is “0”, it indicates that the base is low, if “1”, it indicates that the base is high, Bit1 indicates the state that is hitting big, and Bit1 is "0" indicates normal, "1" indicates a big hit, Bit2 indicates a high probability state, Bit1 is "0" indicates a low probability, and "1" indicates a high probability. Yes.

<Amusement machine information response>
FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining a command for a gaming machine information response. 45 is a response for the frame control board 17 to respond to the reception result of the gaming machine information notification to the main control board 16, and the “gaming machine information reception result” and “frame” "Control state" is included. The frame control board 17 responds with the communication serial number received by the gaming machine information notification as it is. However, if the frame control board 17 receives a communication serial number that does not establish continuity, it makes no response.

  The “frame control state” includes state information of the frame control board 17, and specifically, information indicating that the number of game balls is over is included in Bit0. The frame control board 17 transmits the gaming machine information response to the main control board 16 side via serial communication, thereby obtaining information related to the detection of the error of the number of gaming balls over (error code = F23) shown in FIG. The control board 16 can be notified. Therefore, the main control board 16 side can also notify an error of the number of game balls over (error code = F23).

<Total number of winning prizes>
Next, the total number of winning prizes will be described. When the data type included in the game information is 14 = performance information status notification, Bit0 of the status flag (Bit0 to Bit3) indicates the base status, Bit1 indicates the status of big hit, and Bit2 indicates the status of high probability ing. In other words, based on the data type 14 included in the gaming information = information of the performance information status notification, it is possible to indicate the gaming status changed from the previous gaming machine information notification to the current gaming machine information notification.

  Winning from the previous gaming machine information notification until the gaming state changes by being able to represent the gaming state information changed from the previous gaming machine information notification to the current gaming machine information notification It becomes possible to notify the frame control board 17 by discriminating between the cumulative number and the cumulative number of winnings from the game state change to the current gaming machine information notification. It should be noted that 14 = performance information status notification is provided for the data type in the gaming machine information notification command, and changes from the previous gaming machine information notification to the current gaming machine information notification from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17. Although the gaming state information can be notified, the gaming state information may be notified to the gaming device CU3, the upper server hall server 801, the hall computer, or the like.

  Specifically, a configuration that can distinguish the cumulative number of winnings before and after the gaming state changes will be described. First, before that, there will be described a problem in the case where the total number of winnings cannot be distinguished before and after the gaming state changes. FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining the result of counting the number of winnings before and after the gaming state changes. FIG. 46 (a) is a diagram for explaining the result of counting the number of winnings before and after the previous game state changes, and FIG. 46 (b) shows the result before and after the game state changes in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the number of winning. In the example shown in FIG. 46A, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the big hit state in the middle, and the main control board 16 receives the winning ball commands a to from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. f is received. More specifically, the main control board 16 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal period and the prize ball commands d to f during the big hit period.

  However, the main control board 16 does not notify the number of winning prizes to the frame control board 17 for each received winning ball command, but cumulatively transmits the gaming machine information notification commands transmitted every 100 ms. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 46A, the number of winning ball commands a and b are accumulated and transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the communication command A, and the number of winning ball commands c and d is accumulated. The communication command B is transmitted to the frame control board 17, the number of winning ball commands e and f is accumulated, and the communication command C is transmitted to the frame control board 17.

  On the other hand, the change in the gaming state means that the game state information such as the type of jackpot is transferred from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 in the “main control state 1” included in the gaming machine information notification command shown in FIG. Has been sent. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 46A, the change to the big hit gaming state in the “main control state 1” of the communication command B immediately after the change from the normal state to the big hit state is transmitted to the frame control board 17. Therefore, the change of the gaming state that can be known on the frame control board 17 side is from the time when the communication command B is received as shown in the big hit state of the communication message.

  Therefore, if the winning ball command is distinguished based on the big hit state of the communication message, the winning ball commands a and b are accumulated as the number of winnings in the normal state (the winning ball counting result), and the winning ball commands cf are awarded in the big hit state. It will be accumulated as a number (the result of prize ball counting). However, when the number of winnings is accumulated based on the actual gaming state, the winning ball command c needs to be accumulated as the number of winnings in the normal state period, not the big hit period. For this reason, there is an error in the prize ball totaling result by the number of winning balls of the prize ball command c, and there has been a problem that the base, the bonus rate, and the continuous bonus rate described later cannot be calculated accurately.

  Therefore, in the main control board 16 according to the present embodiment, 14 = performance information status notification is provided for the data type in the gaming machine information notification command, and between the previous gaming machine information notification and the current gaming machine information notification. A configuration is adopted in which the number of winning ball commands can be distinguished by changing the gaming state. Specifically, also in the example shown in FIG. 46B, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the big hit state in the middle, and the main control board 16 receives a prize from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. Sphere commands a to f are received. More specifically, the main control board 16 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal period and the prize ball commands d to f during the big hit period.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 46 (b), the number of winning ball commands a and b are accumulated and transmitted to the frame control board 17 by the communication command A, and the number of winning ball commands c and d is accumulated and the communication command is accumulated. B is transmitted to the frame control board 17, the number of winning ball commands e and f is accumulated, and the communication command C is transmitted to the frame control board 17.

  However, in the gaming machine information notification command according to the present embodiment, 14 = performance information status notification is provided in the data type of the game information, and the number of winning of the winning ball command c and the number of winning of the winning ball command d are distinguished. Yes. Specifically, the communication command B includes information on the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d, and the gaming state has changed to a big hit between the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d. (14 = performance information status notification) is included. Therefore, the main control board 16 sets the winning number of the winning ball command c received in the normal state to the type information 1 and the count number information 1 (see FIG. 43), and the state change information to the type information 2 and the count number information 2. The number of winning balls of the prize ball command d is stored in the type information 3 and the count number information 3 respectively, and a gaming machine information notification command is generated. Then, the main control board 16 sends the gaming machine information notification command to the frame control board 17 so that the game information of the type information 1 and the count number information 1 to the type information 3 and the count number information 3 is sequentially sent to the frame control board. 17 will be sent. That is, when the game state is changed, the main control board 16 transmits the winning number (type information 1 and count number information 1) of the prize ball command c before the change, and then notifies information F (type After transmitting information 2 and count number information 2), the winning number (type information 3 and count number information 3) of the changed prize ball command d is transmitted.

  Therefore, the frame control board 17 distinguishes the winning ball command c received before the state change information as the number of winnings in the normal state and the winning ball command d received after the state change information as the number of winnings in the big hit state. The winning ball commands a to c are accumulated as the number of winnings in the normal state (award ball counting result), and the winning ball commands d to f are accumulated as the number of winnings in the big hit state (award ball counting result). Therefore, no error occurs in the prize ball counting result, and a base, a bonus rate, and a continuous bonus rate, which will be described later, can be accurately calculated.

<Performance display calculation processing>
Next, the performance display calculation process executed in the frame control board 17 will be further described. FIG. 47 is a flowchart for explaining the performance display calculation process executed in the frame control board 17. With reference to FIG. 47, first, the frame control board 17 executes a passing number addition process (step S300). FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the passage number adding process in the frame control board 17. Here, for example, the number n is assigned to the nth winning opening without a prize (the winning holes other than the big winning opening 271 are numbered n. For example, the normal winning openings 272 to 274 are numbered 1 to 3, that is, the first winning opening The 3rd winning award and the starting winning awards 275 to 277 are numbered 4 to 6, that is, the 4th winning award to the 6th award, respectively. The number of prize balls An for one winning prize (the winning prize opening and the sixth winning prize opening) (for example, three for the first winning prize to the third winning prize, and five for the fourth winning prize and the sixth winning prize). ), The number of winning balls As (for example, 5) for one winning of the start winning opening 276 (in this case, the fifth winning opening) and the award for one winning of the large winning opening 271 The number of spheres Ab (for example, 3) is assumed. These settings can be changed according to the model of the game board 26.

  Referring to FIG. 48, frame control board 17 determines whether or not a big hit gaming state is set (step S351). If it is determined that the game state is not a big hit game state (NO in step S351), the frame control board 17 determines whether or not it is in a high base state (step S352). Here, it is assumed that there are two types of gaming states in the P stand 2; a highly accurate high base state (hereinafter simply referred to as a high base state) and a low probability low base state (hereinafter simply referred to as a low base state). To do. If it is determined that the high base state is not reached (NO in step S352), that is, if it is not the big hit gaming state and the low base state, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701 ( Step S353). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S353), 1 is added to the number of passages pl of the out port at the time of low base (step S354).

  Each of the nth winning holes (in the present embodiment, from the first winning port to the sixth winning port) is provided with a detection switch for detecting a winning game ball. If it is determined that no detection signal has been received from the out-ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S353), and after step S354, the frame control board 17 has received a detection signal for the n-th prize opening. Is determined (step S355).

  If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S355), the count number (winning number) is added to the number of passes qln of the nth winning opening at the time of low base (step S356). However, when the gaming state changes to the high base, the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) of the subsequent nth winning opening to the passing number phn of the out opening at the time of the high base.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the base state is high (YES in step S352), that is, if it is not the big hit gaming state and the base state is high, whether or not a detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701 is determined. Judgment is made (step S357). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S357), 1 is added to the number of passages ph of the outlet at the time of high base (step S358).

  If it is determined that no detection signal has been received from the out-ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S357), and after step S358, the frame control board 17 has received a detection signal for the nth winning opening. Is determined (step S359). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S359), the count number (winning number) is added to the passing number qhn of the nth winning opening at the time of high base (step S360). However, when the gaming state changes to the low base, the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) of the subsequent nth winning mouth to the passing number pln of the out mouth at the low base.

  When it is determined that it is a big hit gaming state (YES in step S361), if it is determined that a command including detection information of the n-th winning mouth has not been received (NO in step S355, step S359), after step S356, And after step S360, the frame control board 17 receives the detection signal of the nth winning opening (in the present embodiment, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening) having no accessory. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S361). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S361), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the number qn of passing through the nth winning opening (step S362).

  If it is determined that the detection signal for the nth winning prize opening has not been received (NO in step S361), and after step S362, the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal for the starting winning opening 276 having an accessory. Whether or not (step S363). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S363), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qs of the start winning port 276 having the accessory (step S364).

  When it is determined that the detection signal of the start winning opening 276 having the accessory has not been received (NO in step S363), and after step S364, the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal of the big winning opening 271. Whether or not (step S365). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S365), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qb of the big winning opening 271 (step S366).

  If it is determined that the detection signal of the special winning opening 271 has not been received (NO in step S365), and after step S366, the frame control board 17 has received the detection signal from the out ball detection switch 701 or not. Is determined (step S367). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S367), the frame control board 17 adds 1 to the number of shot balls r (step S368).

  Further, when it is determined that the detection signal is not received from the out-ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S367), and after step S368, the frame control board 17 receives a command including the detection signals for all winning holes. It is determined whether or not (step S369). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S369), the frame control board 17 adds the count number (winning number) to the number of shot balls r (step S370).

  When it is determined that the frame control board 17 has not received the detection signal for all winning awards (NO in step S369), the frame control board 17 ends the passing number addition process.

  Returning to FIG. 47, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not it is in the high base state (step S301). If it is determined that the base state is not high (NO in step S301), the frame control board 17 calculates the number of out balls rl = pl + Σqln at the time of low base (step S302). Furthermore, the frame control board 17 calculates the low base time safe ball number sl = Σ (An × pln) (step S303).

  The frame control board 17 determines whether or not the calculated out-ball number rl = 100 at the time of low base (step S304). When it is determined that the number of out balls rl = 100 at the time of low base (YES in step S304), the frame control board 17 calculates the base value bl = 100 × sl / rl at the time of low base and stores it in the RAM. (Step S305).

  When it is determined that the base state is high (YES in step S301), when it is determined that the number of out balls rl = 100 is not low (NO in step S304), and after step S305, the frame control board 17 is The number of out balls at the base time rh = ph + Σqhn is calculated (step S306). Further, the frame control board 17 calculates the high base time safe ball count sh = Σ (An × phn) (step S307).

  Then, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not the calculated number of out balls rh at the time of the high base is rh = 100 (step S308). If it is determined that the number of out balls at the time of high base is rh = 100 (YES in step S308), the frame control board 17 calculates the base value of high base time bh = 100 × sh / rh and stores it in the RAM. (Step S309).

  When it is determined that the number of out balls rh = 100 is not high (NO in step S308), and after step S309, the frame control board 17 determines whether or not the number of shot balls r = 100 ( Step S310). If it is determined that the number of shot balls r is 100 (YES in step S310), the frame control board 17 calculates a base value b = 100 × (sl + sh) / r and stores it in the RAM (step S311).

  After calculating the base value b and the like, the frame control board 17 further executes a game board surface determination related process (step S312). The frame control board 17 may simply display the calculated base value b or the like on the performance display monitor 40 without performing the game board surface determination-related processing.

  Next, a design value corresponding to the model of the game board 26 is acquired from the main control board 16 or a design value corresponding to the model of the game board 26 is selected from the setting values stored in the frame control board 17. The frame control board 17 performs game board surface determination related processing. Here, the set values include values such as a low base base lower limit value Bll, a low base base upper limit value Blu, a high base base lower limit value Bhl, and a high base base upper limit value Bhu.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart for explaining a game board surface determination-related process. Referring to FIG. 49, frame control board 17 determines whether or not the period is outside the determination value calculation target period (step S381). The period other than the judgment value calculation target is a period that is excluded from the calculation target of the judgment value such as the base, the ratio of the bonuses and the ratio of the consecutive bonuses. For example, the glass door 6 and the gaming machine frame 5 are open. During a period during which fraud by a store clerk or the like is possible, such as a non-launch period of a game ball (for example, a period after 15 seconds have passed since the last game ball was fired), and a period during which a game hall is closed is there. If it is determined that the period is not the determination value calculation target (YES in step S381), the frame control board 17 ends the game board surface determination-related processing and returns the processing to be executed to the caller.

  If it is determined that it is not the period for which the determination value is not calculated (NO in step S381), the frame control board 17 determines that there is no winning combination (here, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening). The number of winning balls sn = Σ (An × qn) is calculated (step S388), and the number of winning balls ss = As × qs is calculated for a winning opening with an accessory (here, the fifth winning opening) (step S389). Then, the number of winning balls sb = Ab × qb of the special winning opening 271 is calculated (step S390).

  Next, the frame control board 17 calculates the accessory ratio u = 100 × (ss + sb) / (sn + ss + sb) and stores it in the RAM (step S391), and the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × sb / (sn + ss + sb). Is stored in the RAM (step S392).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls r is 60000 (step S393). The P stand 2 of the present embodiment can launch 100 game balls to the game area 27 in one minute. For this reason, 60000 balls are the number of balls that can be fired in 10 hours. If it is determined that the number of shot balls r is 60000 (YES in step S393), the frame control board 17 displays the winning prize opening 271 calculated in step S164 on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29. Information such as the number of winning balls is lit and displayed (step S394).

  When it is determined that the number of shot balls r is not 60000 (NO in step S167), the frame control board 17 displays the prize of the big winning opening 271 calculated in step S390 on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29. Information such as the number of balls is displayed blinking (step S395).

  After step S394 and after step S395, the frame control board 17 ends the game board surface determination-related process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

  FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining the state of calculation and display of the base value. Referring to FIG. 50, when game information capable of specifying the winning slot type, winning slot number, winning ball number and winning number is received from main control board 16, from step S302 to step S311 in FIG. The calculation is performed as shown and added to the low base time safe ball number sl, the high base time safe ball number sh, and the shot ball number r = (rl + rh) stored in the addition area.

  Each time the number of shot balls r reaches 6000, the low base time safe ball number sl, the high base time safe ball number sh, and the shot ball number r = (rl + rh) stored in the addition area are moved to the holding area. . Prior to this movement, the old base holding area 10 low base time safe ball number sl10, high base time safe ball number sh10, and fired ball number r10 = (rl10 + rh10) are deleted. The safe ball number sl1, the high base time safe ball number sh1, and the fired ball number r1 = (rl1 + rh1) are shifted from the holding area 2 to the holding area 10, respectively.

  When the display process is performed, a base value is calculated and displayed on the performance display monitor 40 of the 7 segment type.

  In addition, when the base value is not displayed on the performance display monitor 40, nothing may be displayed, and the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the number of shot balls r may be displayed. .

<Performance items>
Next, the performance items counted by the P platform 2 will be described. FIG. 51 is a list of performance items being tabulated. The “operating port” in the table is a starting port through which an accessory operates, and is, for example, a two-type maiden. As shown in FIG. 51, the performance items such as the total number of game balls to be fired and the total number of game balls to be acquired are stored in the information transmitted from the main control board 16 to the frame control board 17 by the gaming machine information notification command shown in FIG. Based on this, the frame control board 17 tabulates. Further, performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are tabulated on the frame control board 17 based on the information collected on the main control board 16. The information collected by the main control board 16 is transmitted to the frame control board 17 by a gaming machine information notification command shown in FIG.

  Here, the role ratio (also referred to as role ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls fired for 10 hours due to the action of the role. The rules regarding the recognition of gaming machines and the type of regulations stipulate that the ratio of bonuses must be 70% or less. In the present embodiment, the prize ratio is a game value that is given by winning a prize in all winning holes of game balls fired in 10 hours (100 balls can be launched in one minute, so 60,000 balls). Among the number of game balls corresponding to, to the start winning opening 276 configured by an electric tulip that is one of the bonuses, and to the grand prize winning port 271 configured by a variable winning ball apparatus that is one of the bonuses. The ratio of the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a game ball.

  The ratio of the consecutive bonuses (also referred to as the continuous ratio) refers to the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours when the bonuses are continuously activated, due to the action of the bonuses. . Regulations relating to the recognition of gaming machines and the type of regulations stipulate that the ratio of consecutive objects must be 60% or less. In the present embodiment, the ratio of consecutive bonuses is a game that is given by winning a prize in all winning mouths of game balls fired in 10 hours (60 balls can be launched in one minute, so 60,000 balls). Of the number of game balls corresponding to the value, the number of game balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the game ball to the big prize opening 271 provided with the variable prize ball device which is one of the functions Say percentage.

  The aggregation of the performance items is performed based on the information necessary for calculation and the calculation method shown in FIGS. For example, the total number of game balls to be fired can be totaled by accumulating the number of fired balls. In addition, as for the ratio of the prizes, the cumulative value of each of the prize balls and the prize of the action balls is obtained, and the value obtained by dividing the cumulative value of the prizes of action balls by the cumulative value of the prize balls is multiplied by 100. It can be totaled by doing.

  The output of the performance item can be output to the CU 3, displayed on the performance display monitor 40 of the frame control board 17, the game ball number display 29, or the like, or displayed on the display 312 of the CU 3. For example, performance items such as the total number of game balls to be fired and the total number of game balls to be acquired are output to the CU 3, displayed on the display unit of the frame control board 17, and also displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU 3. The performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are not output to the CU 3, are not displayed on the display unit of the frame control board 17, and are not displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU 3. The display method of the frame control board 17 and the display unit of the CU3 is (1) Accumulating information from the start of launch, (2) Flashing display until the total number of game balls is less than 60,000, (3 ) When the total number of played balls reaches 60,000 or more, the display is switched to lighting display, and thereafter, information is accumulated and displayed. The display switching method on the display of the frame control board 17 or the CU3 is as follows: (1) Select a display item by pressing the game ball clear switch (for example, select by display number), (2) Confirm the display item by the ball removal switch indicate.

<Inspection signal output configuration>
Next, a configuration for outputting the inspection signal of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 52 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the frame control board. FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram for explaining an inspection signal. The P table 2 is provided with an inspection signal output unit 80 on the frame control board 17 so that a predetermined inspection can be performed by connecting to the test apparatus 900 and an inspection signal can be output to the test apparatus 900. it can. The inspection signal output unit 80 is not provided in all the P bases 2 to be mass-produced, but is provided only in the P base 2 to be inspected. However, the frame control board 17 is manufactured as a board on which the inspection signal output unit 80 can be mounted so that the P board 2 to be mass-produced and the P board 2 to be inspected can be used in common. Therefore, only the circuit pattern and mounting space for mounting the inspection signal output unit 80 are formed on the frame control board 17 of the P stand 2 that is mass-produced, and the inspection signal output unit 80 itself is not mounted. That is, the frame control board 17 used for the P base 2 to be inspected and the frame control board 17 used for the mass-produced P base 2 share parts.

  The frame control board 17 shown in FIG. 52 is used for the P base 2 to be inspected, and is provided with an inspection signal output unit 80. The inspection signal output unit 80 is provided with an inversion buffer 81 that inverts again the signal (subtraction mechanism entrance sensor signal) from the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b inverted by the inversion buffer in the frame control board 17. The inversion buffer 81 inverts again the subtraction reference signal output from the oscillation circuit of the launch control board 31 that has been inverted by the inversion buffer in the frame control board 17.

  The inspection signal output unit 80 includes an inspection output connector 82 for connection to an I / F board 901 for communicating with the test apparatus 900. The inspection output connector 82 outputs signals based on signals output from the frame control unit 171 via the data bus (for example, a prize ball signal, a frame error signal, etc.), a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor signal, and a subtraction reference signal. The data is output to the test apparatus 900 via the F substrate 901. Specifically, the inspection output connector 82 can specify the firing operation of the game ball by using the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor signal from the subtraction mechanism entrance sensor 32b and the subtraction reference signal in conjunction with the launch of the game ball. A signal is output to the I / F substrate 901 as a signal, and a launch ball signal described later is generated on the I / F substrate 901 and output to the test apparatus 900. Of course, the shot ball signal may be generated not by the I / F board 901 but by the frame controller 171.

  As a signal output to the test apparatus 900, for example, there is a signal shown in FIG. Specifically, the signal includes a subtraction solenoid driving signal that outputs one operation of the subtraction solenoid 32a as one pulse, and a subtraction mechanism inlet that outputs that one game ball is detected by the subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b as one pulse. A sensor signal and a subtraction reference signal for outputting one operation of the subtraction mechanism 32 as one pulse are included. In addition, the signal includes a prize ball signal output as one pulse corresponding to the addition of one game point based on a command from the main control board 16, F06, F16, F21, 24, 25 shown in FIG. A frame error signal that is continuously output at the H (High) level during the detection of an abnormality and a shot ball signal that is output as one pulse in response to the output of both the subtraction solenoid drive signal and the subtraction reference signal are included. It is.

<Configuration of Embodiment>
(1) An enclosed gaming machine in which a game ball is enclosed, and a gaming device that is connected to be communicable with the gaming machine and enables gaming on the gaming machine using the gaming value owned by the player ( A gaming system including a unit is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-042799. In the gaming system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information such as the number of game balls for playing a game on a gaming machine is transmitted by bidirectional communication between the gaming machine and the gaming device (unit). is doing. However, the gaming system of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in the transmission of information exchanged between the gaming machine and the gaming device (unit). The present invention has been conceived in view of the actual situation, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine and a gaming apparatus capable of optimizing information transmission between the gaming machine and the gaming apparatus. It is.

(1-1) A gaming machine (for example, P unit 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3),
Receiving means (for example, the frame control board 17 that communicates between the CU 3 and the P stand 2) that is capable of receiving specific information (for example, lending information) that is information transmitted from the gaming device and is related to the gaming value;
A transmission means (for example, a frame control board 17 for communicating between the CU 3 and the P stand 2) capable of transmitting game information (for example, gaming machine information) indicating the progress of the game to the gaming device;
With
The transmission means transmits the game information every specific period (for example, a specified period A), and in a special period (for example, response time) shorter than the specific period after the reception means receives the specific information. Response information (for example, lending response information) of the specific information is transmitted to the gaming device at a corresponding timing.

  According to such a configuration, the information transmission can be optimized, and the transmission timing of the game information and the response information is divided, so that congestion of information to be transmitted can be avoided.

(1-2) A gaming device (for example, CU3) that can communicate with a corresponding gaming machine (for example, P table 2),
Transmission means (for example, communication control IC 325) capable of transmitting to the gaming machine specific information (for example, rental information) related to the gaming value;
Receiving means (for example, communication control IC 325) capable of receiving game information (for example, gaming machine information) that is information transmitted from the gaming machine and indicating the progress of the game;
With
The receiving means can receive the game information every specific period (for example, a specified period A), and a special period (for example, a response time) shorter than the specific period after the transmitting means transmits the specific information. ) At the timing corresponding to the specific information can be received from the gaming machine (for example, lending response information).

  According to such a configuration, the information transmission can be optimized, and the transmission timing of the game information and the response information is divided, so that congestion of information to be transmitted can be avoided.

(1-3) In the gaming machine of (1-1) above,
The specific information includes information relating to the magnitude of the game value (for example, the number of balls lent out), and information relating to the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is satisfied or not (for example, ball rental) When the button 321 is pressed, 125 balls information is included in the rented ball number information, and when the button 321 is not pressed, 0 ball information is included in the rented ball number information.

  According to such a configuration, the information regarding the magnitude of the game value differs depending on whether the predetermined condition is correct or not, and the specific information is periodically transmitted, so that the connection confirmation between the gaming device and the gaming machine Specific information can be used.

(1-4) In the gaming machine of (1-1) or (1-3) above,
Launching means for launching game media (e.g., launching mechanism 30);
Firing control means (for example, launch control board 31) for controlling the driving of the launching means,
The firing control means includes
A specific voltage (for example, power supply VL for connection confirmation) is not detected at the connection terminal between the gaming machine and the gaming device (for example, VL = OFF), or the reception state of the specific information at the receiving unit Based on (for example, when the next lending information cannot be received after 1200 ms has elapsed from the lending information received last time), the launching by the launching means is stopped.

  According to such a configuration, the launch can be easily stopped in a state where the connection with the gaming device is deficient.

  (2) As a gaming machine, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball is won in a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is a gaming machine. The launching device that launches the game ball launches the game ball from the hitting ball supply tray into the game area in accordance with the control of the launch control circuit provided on the launch control board. In such a gaming machine, it is necessary to perform a test firing test in order to confirm whether the winning rate, the winning ball acquisition rate, etc. for each winning area are as designed (for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-2005)). No. 253698)). However, the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 launches a game ball from a hitting ball supply tray with a launching device. However, in an enclosed game machine in which a game ball is enclosed, a game corresponding to a managed game point is played. It is necessary to fire a ball (game medium) and subtract game points managed electromagnetically in accordance with the launch operation. In addition, in the enclosed game machine, it is necessary to output to the outside that the game points have been subtracted in response to the launch operation. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to perform subtraction of appropriate game points in response to the launch of game media and output information corresponding to the launch of game media to the outside. It is to provide a gaming machine and a game frame that can be used.

(2-1) A gaming machine (for example, P 2) that manages information relating to game points (for example, the number of game balls) as a game value and is capable of playing with the game points,
Launching means (e.g., launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium corresponding to a game point;
Corresponding to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means, a transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that performs the transport operation of the game medium to the launch means;
Subtracting means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, etc.) for performing subtraction processing of game points managed by the gaming machine in response to the game medium launching operation in the launching means;
Output means (for example, inspection signal output unit 80, etc.) capable of outputting a signal (for example, a subtraction solenoid drive signal, a subtraction reference signal, etc.) that can specify the game medium firing operation to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate subtraction of game points corresponding to the launch of the game medium, and to output information corresponding to the launch of the game medium to the outside.

(2-2) A game frame (for example, a gaming machine frame 5) of a gaming machine (for example, P 2) that manages information relating to a gaming point (for example, the number of game balls) as a gaming value and is capable of playing with the gaming point. ) And
Launching means (e.g., launching mechanism 30) for launching a game medium corresponding to a game point;
Corresponding to the launch operation of the game medium in the launch means, a transport means (for example, a subtraction solenoid 32a, a movable piece 45, etc.) that performs the transport operation of the game medium to the launch means;
Subtracting means (for example, a subtraction mechanism inlet sensor 32b, a subtraction mechanism outlet sensor 32c, etc.) for performing subtraction processing of game points managed by the gaming machine in response to the game medium launching operation in the launching means;
Output means (for example, inspection signal output unit 80, etc.) capable of outputting a signal (for example, a subtraction solenoid drive signal, a subtraction reference signal, etc.) that can specify the game medium firing operation to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate subtraction of game points corresponding to the launch of the game medium, and to output information corresponding to the launch of the game medium to the outside.

(2-3) In the gaming machine of (2-1) above,
The output means includes a special signal (for example, a subtraction mechanism entrance sensor signal) corresponding to the entry of a game medium into the transport means, and a specific signal (for example, a launch ball) corresponding to a launch operation of the game medium in the launch means. Signal) can be output to the outside as a signal that can specify the launch operation of the game medium.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the outside of a more accurate game medium launch corresponding to both the launch operation of the launch means and the operation of the transport means.

(2-4) In the gaming machine of (2-1) or (2-3) above,
The output means can output an error signal (for example, a frame error signal) relating to a predetermined error and a prize ball signal (for example, a prize ball signal) based on information from the game control means to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the error situation and prize ball situation of the gaming machine to the outside.

(2-5) In the gaming machines (2-1), (2-3), and (2-4) above,
A mounting area (for example, an inspection output connector 82) for mounting a test signal output terminal (for example, an inspection output connector 82) on a board (for example, the frame control board 17) on which a frame control unit provided in the gaming frame of the gaming machine is mounted. An area in which the inspection signal output unit 80 is provided) is provided in advance.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to share components between the test substrate and the mass production substrate.

  (3) In an enclosed game machine in which game balls are enclosed, information is bidirectionally communicated with a gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-248251). Yes. Therefore, in the gaming machine, when a counting operation is performed, when a state information response is transmitted to the gaming device as a response to the state information request from the gaming device, A process of converting a game ball (game point) into a ball (point) is performed. However, the gaming machine cannot subtract the number of game balls unless the status information request can be normally received from the gaming device after the status information response is transmitted due to a communication error or the like. Since the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 is premised on communicating information with a gaming device in both directions, if a counting operation is accepted during the occurrence of a communication abnormality, the gaming machine side erroneously subtracts the number of gaming balls It was possible to handle so as not to. However, a gaming machine that communicates information to a gaming device in one direction cannot perform the same processing, and appropriately manages the gaming value including the number of gaming balls by mistakenly subtracting the number of gaming balls. There was a problem that could not be done. The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is a gaming machine capable of appropriately managing gaming value even when a communication abnormality occurs with a gaming device. Is to provide.

(3-1) A gaming machine (for example, P 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3) and capable of managing information related to gaming value (for example, the number of game balls),
Storage means (for example, a game ball counter) capable of storing information related to game value;
Accepting means (for example, counting button 28) capable of accepting a predetermined operation by the player;
Based on the acceptance of the predetermined operation, transmission means (for example, the frame control board 17) capable of transmitting predetermined information (for example, counting information) that can specify the magnitude of the gaming value to the gaming device. )When,
Update means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, subtracting the counted number of balls) in correspondence with the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information when transmitting the predetermined information And a frame control board 17) for updating to information on the number of game balls,
Based on the establishment of a predetermined condition relating to an abnormality in communication with the gaming device (for example, when the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL changes from 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL = OFF)), The acceptance of the predetermined operation is invalidated (for example, the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately manage the game value in consideration of communication abnormality.

(3-2) In the gaming machine of (3-1) above,
The transmission means transmits the predetermined information to the gaming device at a predetermined interval regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the count information is defined regardless of the reception status at the CU3). And transmitted to CU3 every period B).
Depending on whether or not the predetermined operation is accepted by the accepting means, information regarding the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information is different (for example, before the operation of the counting button 28 by the player transmits gaming machine information). If it is performed, information on 250 balls is included in the number of counted balls, and if the operation of the counting button 28 by the player is not performed before transmitting the gaming machine information, the number of counted balls is 0 (zero). Sphere information is included.)

  According to such a configuration, the transmission process of the predetermined information is continued regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition regarding the communication abnormality with the gaming device is satisfied, and the prohibition process of the transmission process of the predetermined information becomes unnecessary. In addition, the gaming value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality in that the predetermined operation becomes invalid.

(3-3) In the gaming machine of (3-1) or (3-2) above,
Receiving means (for example, frame control board 17) that can receive specific information (for example, lending information) that is information transmitted from the gaming device and that is related to gaming value,
Response information corresponding to the predetermined information is not transmitted from the gaming device to the receiving means (for example, the count information and the gaming machine information are one-way from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. The gaming machine does not recognize whether the gaming device has received the predetermined information.

  According to such a configuration, the predetermined information is output in one direction, and it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the gaming value even in a situation where the predetermined information cannot be received by the gaming device, thereby reducing the disadvantage of the player. Can be prevented.

(3-4) In the gaming machines (3-1) to (3-3) above,
Special signal output means for outputting a special signal (for example, PSI signal) for connection confirmation to the gaming device while detecting connection with the gaming device (for example, VL = ON) (for example, wiring number of PIF wiring) 4)
The special signal output means stops the output of the special signal to the gaming device based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, PSI = OFF).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the gaming machine side of the disconnection detection status on the gaming machine side.

(3-5) In the gaming machines (3-1) to (3-4) above,
Launching means for launching game media (e.g., launching mechanism 30);
Firing control means (for example, launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launching means,
The accepting means invalidates the acceptance of the accepting means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, invalidates the operation of the counting button 28),
The launch control means stops firing by the launch means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, outputs a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31).

  According to such a configuration, the game value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality by stopping the game in a situation where the gaming device is not connected.

(3-6) In the gaming machines (3-1) to (3-5) above,
The predetermined information includes the first information (for example, information on the number of counting balls) that can specify the magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation and the magnitude of the game value of the first information. 2nd information (for example, information on the counted cumulative number of balls).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on management of the gaming value in the gaming machine, and to transmit appropriate information for performing predetermined information recovery processing in one-way communication.

  (4) In an enclosed game machine in which game balls are enclosed, information is bidirectionally communicated with a gaming device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-134101). Yes. Therefore, in the gaming machine, when a counting operation is performed, when a state information response is transmitted to the gaming device as a response to the state information request from the gaming device, A process of converting a game ball (game point) into a ball (point) is performed. When the recovery operation of the counting operation is performed due to a communication abnormality or the like, the recovery processing is performed using the counting history stored on the gaming machine side every time the counting operation is performed. Since the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 is premised on bidirectionally communicating information with a gaming device, when performing recovery processing of counting operation, the gaming machine side stores the counting history stored on the gaming machine side. It is possible to request transmission. However, each time a counting operation is performed, a process for updating the counting history stored on the gaming machine side is required, which increases the processing load on the gaming machine side. In addition, a gaming machine that is premised on communicating information to a gaming device in one direction cannot perform the same processing, and cannot perform a game value recovery process appropriately. . The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce a processing burden and appropriately perform a game value recovery process.

(4-1) A gaming machine (for example, P 2) capable of communicating with a corresponding gaming device (for example, CU3) and capable of managing information on a gaming value (for example, the number of game balls),
Storage means (for example, a game ball counter) capable of storing information related to game value;
Accepting means (for example, counting button 28) capable of accepting a predetermined operation by the player;
Transmitting means (for example, the frame control board 17) that transmits predetermined information (for example, count information) that can specify the magnitude of the gaming value to the gaming device based on the reception of the predetermined operation. When,
Update means for updating the game value stored in the storage means (for example, subtracting the counted number of balls) in correspondence with the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information when transmitting the predetermined information And a frame control board 17) for updating to information on the number of game balls,
The predetermined information includes the first information (for example, information on the number of counting balls) that can specify the magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation and the magnitude of the game value of the first information. 2nd information (for example, information on the counted cumulative number of balls).

  According to such a configuration, the processing load for storing the history regarding the predetermined operation is reduced, and the second information capable of cumulatively specifying the magnitude of the gaming value of the first information is transmitted to the gaming device. The game value recovery process can be performed appropriately.

(4-2) In the gaming machine of (4-1) above,
Whether the transmission means satisfies a predetermined condition relating to an abnormality in communication with the gaming device (for example, when the voltage of the connection confirmation power supply VL changes from 5 V to 0 V (off state: VL = OFF)) Regardless of whether or not, the predetermined information is transmitted to the gaming device at a predetermined interval (for example, the count information is transmitted to the CU3 every specified period B regardless of the reception status of the CU3).
Depending on whether or not the predetermined operation is accepted by the accepting means, information regarding the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information is different (for example, an operation of the counting button 28 by the player transmits game machine information). If it has been performed before, the count ball number includes, for example, 250 ball information, and if the player does not operate the count button 28 before transmitting the gaming machine information, the count ball number is 0 ( Zero) Sphere information is included.)

  According to such a configuration, the transmission process of the predetermined information is continued regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition regarding the communication abnormality with the gaming device is satisfied, and the prohibition process of the transmission process of the predetermined information becomes unnecessary. In addition, the gaming value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality in that the predetermined operation becomes invalid.

(4-3) In the gaming machine of (4-1) or (4-2) above,
Receiving means (for example, frame control board 17) that can receive specific information (for example, lending information) that is information transmitted from the gaming device and that is related to gaming value,
Response information corresponding to the predetermined information is not transmitted from the gaming device to the receiving means (for example, the count information and the gaming machine information are one-way from the frame control board 17 to the CU control unit 323. The gaming machine does not recognize whether the gaming device has received the predetermined information.

  According to such a configuration, the predetermined information is output in one direction, and it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the gaming value even in a situation where the predetermined information cannot be received by the gaming device, thereby reducing the disadvantage of the player. Can be prevented.

(4-4) In the gaming machines (4-1) to (4-3) above,
Special signal output means for outputting a special signal (for example, PSI signal) for connection confirmation to the gaming device while detecting connection with the gaming device (for example, VL = ON) (for example, wiring number of PIF wiring) 4)
The special signal output means stops the output of the special signal to the gaming device based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, PSI = OFF).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the gaming machine side of the disconnection detection status on the gaming machine side.

(4-5) In the gaming machines (4-1) to (4-4) above,
Launching means for launching game media (e.g., launching mechanism 30);
Firing control means (for example, launch control board 31) for controlling the operation of the launching means,
The accepting means invalidates the acceptance of the accepting means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, invalidates the operation of the counting button 28),
The launch control means stops firing by the launch means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition (for example, outputs a signal for stopping the launch of the game ball to the launch control board 31).

  According to such a configuration, the game value can be appropriately managed in consideration of communication abnormality by stopping the game in a situation where the gaming device is not connected.

(4-6) In the gaming machines (4-1) to (4-5) above,
The transmission means transmits the predetermined information to the gaming device at a timing corresponding to a predetermined period (for example, a specified period B) after transmitting game information (for example, gaming machine information) indicating the progress of the game. .

  According to such a configuration, the information transmission can be optimized, and the transmission timing of the game information and the predetermined information is separated, so that congestion of information to be transmitted can be avoided.

<Modification>
(1) By operating an operation switch for displaying an accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio is displayed on the performance display monitor 40. You may do it. Further, by operating an operation switch (for example, an error release switch or a RAM clear switch) for displaying the accessory ratio provided on the frame control board 17, the accessory ratio is displayed, and the frame control board 17 is displayed. The continuous character ratio may be displayed by operating an operation switch (for example, a ball removal switch or a game ball clear switch) for displaying the provided continuous character ratio. At this time, the fact that the gaming machine frame 5 is open may be added as a display condition.

  (2) You may make it display the performance item monitor 40 on the performance display monitor 40. Further, it may be displayed on a portion other than the performance display monitor 40 of the gaming machine, for example, may be displayed on the display 312 or displayed on the game ball number display 29. May be. Even in the case of being displayed on a portion other than the performance display monitor 40, it may be displayed in accordance with a predetermined operation. Further, it may be displayed on a dedicated display different from the performance display monitor 40. For example, a dedicated display may be provided on the main control board 16.

  (3) The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated by the frame control unit 171 and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit other than the frame control unit 171 of the gaming machine, for example, the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 calculates and displays the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v. You may make it do.

  (4) The start winning opening 276 described above may be such that the game ball cannot be won in a state where the accessory is closed. The game ball can be won and opened both in the open state (in the state where the accessory is not operating) and in the open state (in the state where the accessory is operating). It may be easier to win than the closed state.

  (5) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the predetermined information is specified and transmitted by the gaming machine or the gaming device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described predetermined information is a card management for managing cards handled by an internal server (hall server 801, hall computer, etc.) or an external server (game machine management server 802, CU3). It may be specified by a management device such as a company card management server.

  (6) In the management device or gaming device that has received the predetermined information, the base, the ratio of the constituents, or the continuous combination based on the predetermined information itself (for example, the determination result of the suitability of the base, the ratio of the bonuses or the continuous bonuses ratio). An abnormality in the object ratio may be monitored, and an abnormality may be notified when it is determined to be abnormal, or predetermined information (for example, low base time base, high base time base, continuous accessory ratio, accessory ratio, out) (Base number + number of safe balls, number of safe balls per number of winning balls + number of safe balls for each winning prize)), calculate base, ratio of consecutive items or ratio of consecutive items, monitor for abnormalities, and report abnormalities when judged abnormal You may make it do.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined information is specified by the frame control unit 171 of the frame control board 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be specified by another control unit of the gaming machine such as the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment or modification, when the predetermined information is specified in the gaming machine or gaming device, the gaming machine or gaming device may notify the abnormality based on the predetermined information.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, when communication is not possible (offline state) when transmitting the above-described predetermined information to the outside of the game hall, the game machine on the game hall side, the game device, Predetermined information may be temporarily stored in the management apparatus, and the predetermined information may be transmitted to an external management apparatus when communication is restored.

  (10) In the above-described embodiment, the base, the ratio of the actors and the ratio of the consecutive actors are calculated, and the predetermined information described above is transmitted for each predetermined trigger. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined information described above may be transmitted periodically (for example, every hour).

  (11) In the above-described embodiment, the abnormal base, accessory ratio, and continuous accessory ratio indicate that the performance display monitor 40 (FIG. 4, FIG. 4) is a 7-segment LED display on the frame control board 17. 42)) is displayed on the display unit. This notification may be performed according to a specific operation. Further, the value of the base, the ratio of the bonuses or the ratio of the consecutive bonuses may be displayed on the display unit of the frame control board 17. Further, it may be displayed on a display unit such as the display 312 that can be viewed by a player different from the display unit that the player cannot normally view, such as the display unit of the frame control board 17. In this case, you may make it display according to specific operation with the touchscreen of the display 312. FIG. Further, it may be always displayed even if there is no specific operation. In addition, the base, the ratio of the actors, and the ratio of the consecutive actors may be abnormal, and at least one or more information of the base, the actors ratio, and the consecutive actors ratio may be displayed. Good. Also, information that suggests one or more of these information (eg, display a red icon, red background) or related information (eg, base, feature ratio or continuous feature ratio (A graph display such as a bar graph or a line graph) may be displayed.

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are continuously abnormal, it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved. You may make it transmit to the management apparatus of the outside or inside of a game hall.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, both the subtraction solenoid drive signal and the subtraction reference signal are output as the signal that can specify the launch operation of the game ball, such as the launch ball signal output to the test apparatus 900. In response to this, it has been explained that it is output as one pulse. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the signal for driving the launch solenoid 31a of the launch mechanism 30 may be a signal that can specify the launch operation of the game ball.

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an inspection signal for outputting an inspection signal is output to the test apparatus 900. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an inspection signal output unit for outputting an inspection signal to the test apparatus 900 is mounted on the main control board 16 so that the main control board 16 can perform necessary inspections on the test apparatus 900. Processing for outputting a signal (for example, a signal indicating a winning situation (a prize ball signal or the like) or a signal indicating a gaming state or the like) may be executed. Even when the inspection signal output unit is mounted on the main control board 16, the inspection signal output unit is mounted on the main control board 16 of the P base 2 to be inspected. Only a circuit pattern for mounting the inspection signal output unit is formed on the control board 16, and the inspection signal output unit itself is not mounted.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, when the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected and a communication error occurs, a voltage of 5 V is not supplied to the photocoupler 37a of the counting switch board 37. By doing so, the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated by hardware. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected and communication abnormality occurs, the operation of the counting button 28 may be invalidated by software. For example, when the communication failure occurs because the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected, the frame control unit 171 invalidates the operation of the counting button 28 by software by not processing the counting switch signal. In addition, when a communication error occurs because the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected, even if the player operates the counting button 28, the counting ball number included in the counting notification message is set to 0 (zero). The operation of the button 28 is invalidated. Furthermore, when communication failure occurs because the CU 3 and the P stand 2 are not connected, the operation of the counting button 28 is invalidated by software so that the operation of the counting button 28 by the player is not accepted by the frame control unit 171 itself. When the frame control unit 171 detects a communication abnormality, the operation of the counting button 28 may be invalidated by software by controlling the power supply to the counting switch board 37 to be stopped.

  (16) In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the condition for stopping the launch is that the voltage of the connection confirmation power source VL is changed from 5V to 0V. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and specific information (for example, lending information) includes serial number information, and the status of serial number information included in the specific information received by the receiving means (for example, the same serial number even after a predetermined period has elapsed) It may be a condition for stopping.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 Pachinko machines, 3 card units, 16 main control board, 17 frame control board, 26 game board, 29 game ball number display, 171 frame control unit, 309 card insertion / discharge port, 319 replay button, 320 IR light reception Unit, 321 ball lending button, 322 return button, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can communicate with a corresponding gaming device and can manage information on gaming value,
Storage means capable of storing information relating to game values;
An accepting means capable of accepting a predetermined operation by a player;
Transmitting means for transmitting predetermined information capable of specifying the magnitude of the gaming value to the gaming device based on the reception of the predetermined operation;
Updating means for updating the game value stored in the storage means in correspondence with the magnitude of the game value specified by the predetermined information when transmitting the predetermined information;
The predetermined information includes first information that can specify a magnitude of the game value corresponding to the predetermined operation, and second information that can cumulatively specify the magnitude of the game value of the first information. Including gaming machines.

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